3 Chelsea players who will be crucial against Galatasaray

If there’s one tie among the eight in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 that screams “banana skin!,” it’s Chelsea’s tussle with Galatasaray.

The Blues travel to Istanbul on Wednesday to face legendary striker Didier Drogba and Co. at the Turk Telecom Arena, and Jose Mourinho’s men will need to be on top form if they’re to avoid an upset.

Gala are an odd team, they don’t conform to the European tactical trends and have a strong-willed manager in the form of Roberto Mancini.

Here, we take a look at three Chelsea players who MUST perform if they’re to secure a positive result.

Eden Hazard

Eden Hazard a key

It almost goes without saying at this point, but Eden Hazard will be key playing off the left flank in Istanbul.

He compares favourably among his peers in terms of Squawka Performance Scores, edging out fellow midfield Oscar despite missing two Group Stage games. He averaged one clear-cut chance created per game in the four he did play and scored one in the trouncing of Schalke 04.

Emmanuel Eboue is the man Macini favours at right-back for Gala, and on paper there’s only one winner in that individual matchup. For all the improvements he’s made in Turkey, he should be no match for the Belgian.

Gary Cahill

Whether Gala revert to a 4-2-3-1, continue with a 4-4-2 diamond or cameo a back three, Gary Cahill will have a tough assignment coming his way.

Didier Drogba and/or Burak Yilmaz will give him the most almighty of tussles both aerially and on the ground, with the former’s raw power and the latter’s clever movement at a top class level right now.

They should know better than to mess with John Terry, but may well underestimate how well Cahill has been playing this season and look to push his buttons. It’s up to the Englishman to conrinue his immense form and shut them both out in Turkey.

Willian

Willian and his Champions League experience useful

Gala recruited Alex Telles this January from Gremio, and he’s immediately stepped in to fill the left-back void at the Turk Telecom Arena.

For all his defensive frailties—a natural by-product his inexperience and age—his attacking intent is relentless, and Willian will be heavily involved in pressing him high up the pitch and tracking his forrays forward.

The shape Mancini selects will determine how much of an impact Telles has on the game, but Willian will be leant on to protect Branislav Ivanovic from his speed regardless.

The Brazilian has settled in well to Mourinho’s line of thinking and works supremely hard in the defensive phase. If he can stop his full-back and Hazard wins his battle, this one is over.