Premier League title hopefuls Chelsea host Sevilla at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night. Sevilla qualified for the Champions League thanks to winning the Europa League in August. Now, manager Julen Lopetegui has his eyes on winning the Champions League.
Frank Lampard’s Chelsea have their own aims of going deep into the Champions League. The Blues were eliminated from the Champions League at the round of 16 last season by eventual winners Bayern Munich.
Neither team go into matchday 1 of the Champions League in good form. Chelsea have won just once in their last three Premier League games. Although they haven’t tasted defeat in the league, they have been very vulnerable in defence.
Chelsea were cruising to a 2-0 win at the weekend versus Southampton when they let their opponents back into the game. Southampton left Stamford Bridge with a 3-3 draw. It was the second time in three games that Chelsea’s defence allowed an opponent to score three times.
Sevilla fell to a shock 1-0 loss versus Granada at the weekend. After securing an impressive 1-1 draw versus Barcelona, Sevilla sank to the loss by giving up an 82nd-minute goal.
The two clubs have never played in the Champions League previously. There are no historical trends between the teams heading into the game.
Chelsea have been a tale of two teams. They can score goals but struggle in defence. It has been the story of Lampard’s tenure in the hotseat at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea are +4 in goal difference with 13 goals scored and nine allowed in the league.
Sevilla scored just five goals in their opening four La Liga games. They conceded three times in those four league games. There is the belief that Sevilla have a Europa League hangover after winning the competition in August.
Lampard has two injury issues heading into the game. New goalkeeper Edouard Mendy is a doubt due to a thigh strain. Kepa Arrizabalaga will start in net. Thiago Silva is likely to return to the team for the game after missing at the weekend.
Lopetegui is likely to be without key centre-back Jules Kounde. The defender tested positive for COVID-19 ruling him out of the game. Sergio Escudero and Oussama Idrissa are also doubts for the game.
With both Chelsea and Sevilla struggling for form ahead of matchday 1, Tuesday night’s Champions League match should end in a draw. Chelsea’s penchant for conceding goals will allow Sevilla to score. Expect a score draw with over 2.5 goals scored.