How will Chelsea line up in the Europa League against PAOK

Chelsea begin their Europa League campaign with a trip to face Greek side PAOK on Thursday night.

The Blues have made a perfect start in the Premier League under Maurizio Sarri and will want to go as far in the competition as possible, with a Champions League place next season on offer for the winners should they miss out on the top four once more.

Sarri will be without star man Eden Hazard after the Belgian admitted fatigue following the 4-1 over Cardiff, having had little time to recover following the World Cup.

“He [Hazard] told me after the match against Cardiff he was tired so I thought it was better [for him] to rest,” Sarri said.

David Luiz and Mateo Kovacic have also been left behind while, despite there being chances for those on the fringes, it seems Ruben Loftus-Cheek cannot buy a chance under the Italian at the moment.

Sarri added: “Loftus-Cheek is a very good player but I don’t know if there is a spot for him [against PAOK]. Now it is very difficult.”

Here is how Standard Sport think Chelsea will line up in Greece...

(4-3-3): Kepa, Zappacosta, Christensen, Cahill, Alonso, Fabregas, Kante, Barkley, Willian, Morata, Pedro