Chelsea fans would have been dreading this tie when the draw was made. Atletico Madrid were flying well clear in the title race in Spain, while Frank Lampard moved closer to the sack. Much has changed since then, however, as Chelsea are unbeaten under new manager Thomas Tuchel and Atletico have let their lead in La Liga slip.
Ahead of their first leg encounter on Tuesday night we have worked out a combined XI between the two sides based on those to have made at least 10 appearances across league and European competition this season. Only players available for selection are considered, which sees Kieran Trippier, Yannick Carrasco and Thiago Silva all drop out of the XI.
Even though many consider Atletico favourites in this tie, they are actually dominated in our combined XI. The fact neither Trippier nor Carrasco are eligible has worked against them but there are some notable absentees. With Chelsea's strikers misfiring this season, it's of no surprise to learn Joao Felix and Luis Suarez lead the line. However, at the opposite end of the pitch fans will be surprised to learn Jan Oblak misses out to Edouard Mendy.
While there is no question Oblak is one of the best goalkeepers in the world, his rating has dipped since the turn of the year. Atletico have remarkably managed just one clean sheet in 10 games in 2021, while Oblak has conceded six goals and made just three saves across their last four matches. The difference in rating between the two goalkeepers is only 0.07, with Mendy managing one more clean sheet than Oblak from four fewer appearances.
Reece James, Kurt Zouma and Ben Chilwell are still trying to nail down a role under Tuchel but they all make the XI based on the fact they were generally very strong performers during Frank Lampard's time in charge. Neither James nor Chilwell would have made the XI were Trippier and Carrasco available for selection.
