Chelsea lock horns with AC Milan tomorrow night at Stamford Bridge in a first of a double header between the two regarded as the group favourite. Graham Potter and Chelsea got off to a winning start in what many would describe as a not so convincing performance away at Selhurst Park.
An audacious strike from Connor Gallagher snatched all 3 points for the blues who looked to be struggling for rhythm under their new manager despite promising signs.
However, this could well prove to be a major deciding factor as the Champions League group continues to unfold in a rather bizarre fashion. Chelsea find themselves 3rd in the group without a win in two outings. A shocking opening day defeat away at Zagreb left the group wide open, one that marked the end of the Thomas Tuchel era. A result that was then
followed by a frustrating draw at home to RB Salzburg. In as much as Chelseaare winless in their opening 2 champions league games, Graham Porter and his boys can’t afford to drop anymore points in what already looks like a hassle ready to go down to the last games.
Whilst Milan are the strongest opposition for Chelsea in the group, they are currently unbeaten in 8 away games in all competitions this season. Milan will be looking to end their 7 draws and 12 defeats against English opposition in their last 19 trips on English soil. In as much as Chelsea’s approach to this game must be stern and ferocious, the players must understand how severe the consequences will be if Milan leave Stanford bridge with any point at all.
Chelsea team news :
Chelsea are most likely going to be without first choice goalkeeper Edouard Mendy despite resuming training this week for the clash against AC Milan at Stamford Bridge. Potter confirmed during his press conference today that midfielder Ngolo Kante and Marc Cucurella both have resumed full training and are in contention to feature. Whilst both are likely not to be rushed back into action straight away, there will be hope that Marc Cucurella features after recovering from a minor throat problem which saw the Spanish left back miss the game at Palace.
Carney Chukwuemeka was also part of those who resumed light training this week and might make the match day squad as doubts over the fitness of Jorginho and Kai Havertz linger on into Wednesday night.
AC Milan team news :
AC Milan are in a major injury crisis at the moment and may have to turn to youngsters to step up against the Londoners. An injury crisis that includes key players in the team such as first choice goalkeeper Mike Maignan who has been in brilliant form for the Rossoneri this season. The list also includes likes of legendary striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Saelemaekers, Divock Origi, Calabria, Junior Messias, Hernandez and Florenzi.
However, with the imminent return of Simon Kjaer, Kalulu could well fill in for the injured Florenzi at right back. Ante Rebic who was on the score sheet at the weekend could slot right in from the start or serve as an option from the bench, a threat Chelsea should watch out for.
Chelsea vs AC Milan potential line up.
Chelsea (4-2-3-1) : Kepa, James, Silva, Fofana, Chilwell, Loftus Cheek, Kovacic, Mason Mount, Pulisic, Aubamayang, Sterling.
AC Milan : Tatarusanu; Dest, Kalulu, Tomori, Ballo-Toure; Tonali, Bennacer; Krunic, De Ketelaere, Leao; Giroud
My preferred Chelsea line up :
Kepa; James, Silva, Fofana, Chilwell, Gallagher, Kovacic, Mason Mount, Pulisic, Aubamayang, Sterling.
Score prediction : Chelsea 2:0 AC Milan
✍🏻 Stanley Micheal Enebeli
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