Chelsea vs Frankfurt line-ups: Team news, predicted XIs and more ahead of Europa League semi-final

Chelsea hold a slim advantage with the tie level at 1-1 after Pedro’s away goal

Eden Hazard’s future remains in doubt with the Chelsea star now just one year away from becoming a free agent.

The Belgian is reportedly ready to hand in a transfer request to secure a move away with this summer – likely to Real Madrid.

But before that can happen, there is a trophy to play for and a scenario where the Blues’ No 10 could deliver another trophy as a parting gift.

Though Eintracht Frankfurt and either Arsenal or Valencia are standing between them and capping off an impressive season.

With top four secured and Man City edging them in the Carabao Cup final, Maurizio Sarri knows winning the Europa League will go a long way to appeasing the disgruntled fans.

Team news

N’Golo Kante will miss the game with a hamstring injury, and his season will continuing will likely depend on Chelsea’s progression to the final, with his presence in Sunday’s Premier League finale against Leicester also in serious doubt.

Antonio Rudiger and Callum Hudson-Odoi are long-term absentees.

Sebastian Haller is a major doubt with an abdominal strain, while Taleb Tawatha will miss out.

Sebastian Rode has a toe problem, but will likely play. Ante Rebic will return from suspension after missing the first leg.

Prediction

Sarri has slotted in Andreas Christensen following the season-ending injury to Antonio Rudiger and the Dane, despite lacking flow to his game due to limited game time, is solid cover alongside David Luiz.

Jorginho is now flourishing and in the best form of what has been a tricky debut campaign in England.

Eden Hazard could represent the difference here though, a player who could end up on the same side as Eintracht’s Luka Jovic next season at Real Madrid.

The Belgian has surprisingly not scored or assisted in the competition so far (despite 16 goals and 15 assists in the Premier League), but his sensational on Sunday to inspire a 3-0 victory over Watford shows he is in fine form.

You can expect Frankfurt to have joy out wide from their full-backs, but should they sit in deep to make a back five, Ruben Loftus-Cheek will likely continue his excellent run of form.

With a few scares a long the way, with Jovic reminding everybody why he is one of Europe’s best young strikers, the hosts should triumph on the night and secure a slender aggregate victory.

Pedro celebrates equalising for Chelsea before the break (Getty)

Odds

Chelsea 4/11

Draw 4/1

Frankfurt 8/1

What time is it and how can I watch it?

The game is at 20:00 (GMT), you can watch the game on BT Sport 3 with coverage starting at 19:15.

Jovic is a threat for Eintracht (Getty)

Predicted line-ups

Chelsea XI: Kepa, Azpilicueta, Luiz, Christensen, Emerson, Kovacic, Jorginho, Loftus-Cheek, Pedro, Higuain, Hazard

Frankfurt XI: Trapp, Abraham (c), Hinteregger, Hasebe, da Costa, Fernandes, Rode, Kostic, Gacinovic, Jovic, Rebic