Tuesday, 17 September 2019
Chelsea make a return to Champions League action after a year’s absence hosting Valencia at the Stamford Bridge.
Surprisingly both sides were involved in similar 5-2 scorelines during their Saturday league matches albeit with different outcomes.
The Blues ran rampant in a 5-2 away demolition of Wolves on Saturday with their in-form striker Tammy Abraham grabbing a hat-trick. Valencia on the other hand had a chaotic afternoon shipping 5 goals at the Nou Camp against a ruthless Barcelona.
There will however be no love lost with everything to play for in this Group H encounter that also has last year’s semi-finalists Ajax and Lille.
Chelsea will be sweating over the fitness of influential centreback Antonio Rudiger who picked up a groin injury against Wolves. Midfielder N’golo Kante is also unlikely to return for this fixture.
Manager Frank Lampard was full of praise of his squad’s academy players Abraham, Mason Mount and Fikayo Tomori after they all scored yesterday and he will be hoping they will replicate their blistering form at the Bridge.
Valencia acting coach Albert Celades will be looking to get a point in this match and is unlikely to change the lineup that started against Barcelona meaning Kevin Gameiro will start up front alongside Rodrigo in a four-man midfield.
Head to head:
Valencia are winless in the past 5 meetings between the two sides with Chelsea taking the bragging rights in three of those encounters.
Tip:
Chelsea comfortable 3-0 win
Odds:
1.88
Stake:
Large