Chelsea fans have written off their team’s chances of overcoming Borussia Dortmund in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 after Marc Cucurella was selected to start in defence. The Blues are trailing BvB 1-0 from the first leg heading into Tuesday (March 7) night clash at Stamford Bridge.<\/p>\n
Graham Potter has opted to choose Cucurella in a back three alongside Wesley Fofana and Kalidou Koulibaly. The Blues are dealing with Thiago Silva’s absence, with the Brazilian defender expected to be out of action for six weeks with a knee injury.<\/p>\n
Cucurella<\/a> has drawn criticism throughout the campaign for lackluster performances. The Spanish left-back arrived at Stamford Bridge from Brighton & Hove Albion last summer for \u00a360 million. He has featured 26 times across competitions, providing two assists.<\/p>\n The former Brighton man has not played as a centre-back this season nor during his time at the Amex under Potter. It’s a massive risk the English coach is taking with his job potentially at stake.<\/p>\n The UEFA Champions League is Chelsea<\/a>‘s last hope of silverware this season. They sit tenth in the league and are out of all domestic cup competitions. Cucurella will need to put in an assured performance against a tricky Dortmund attack that boasts speed and energy in Julian Brandt and Sebastian Haller.<\/p>\n Meanwhile, Potter has selected Kepa Arrizabalaga in goal, with Fofana, Kouilably, and Cucurella in defence. Reece James and Ben Chilwell are at right and left wing-backs respectively. Mateo Kovacic captains the side. with Enzo Fernandez in midfield. and Raheem Sterling, Joao Felix<\/a> and Kai Havertz in attack.<\/p>\n Some of the Stamford Bridge faithful are already accepting defeat to BvB due to Cucurella’s selection. One fan suggested that the Blues will need god because the Spaniard was chosen ahead of Trevoh Chalobah:<\/p>\n “Cucurella over Chalobah? We need God.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n Another thinks Dortmund will run riot against Chelsea:<\/p>\n “Cucurella? We getting smoked.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n Another fan has already accepted defeat:<\/p>\n “Cucurella starting in a back 3 means we have no chance. I already give up.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n Here’s how Twitter reacted to Potter’s questionable choice of Cucurella in defence:<\/p>\n @CFCDaily<\/a> Cucurella back 3 at CB\u2026 I will not be there \ud83e\udd72<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n Cucurella as a CB, bro can\u2019t even handle the ball properly.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Cucurella as a CB, bro can\u2019t even handle the ball properly.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n Cucurella starting in the back 3 means we have no chance.I already gave up.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Cucurella starting in the back 3 means we have no chance.I already gave up.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n![\"Christian](\"https:\/\/staticc.sportskeeda.com\/editor\/2023\/03\/926f8-16782155266321-1920.jpg\"\/)
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