Chelsea Lineup vs Valencia: Here’s how Chelsea could lineup against Valencia in the opening day of the Champions League.
In the opening day of the Champions League 19/20 season, Chelsea will take on Valencia at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday. The English side has never tasted defeat against their opponents on six different occasions.
The Blues had a good season under the former manager Maurizio Sarri, who carried them to third-place finish and Europa League glory. It was an extraordinary turnaround in the final stages of last season following a dry spell during January, February, and March.
They are currently managed by Frank Lampard, who is forced to work with the players at disposal because of the transfer ban. Despite this claim, they have made an average start with two victories out of opening five games and glimpses of talents are indicative about the long-term run in the coming months.
On the other hand, Valencia managed a fourth-place spot last campaign and overcame Barcelona to clinch the Copa Del Rey. They have sacked their manager Marcelinho, who delivered them Champions League football and a trophy after nearly a decade. Albert Celades has currently taken over the managerial hot-seat at the Mestalla. They are currently on five points from four games, but their team has an abundance of talent to create wrack to their opponents.
The Blues enter this game as favourites, but their opponents could spring a surprise under their new manager.
We shall look at Chelsea’s team news, injuries, and predicted lineup for the upcoming clash against Spanish top-tier Valencia.
Chelsea Team News
Hat-trick hero Tammy Abraham picked up a knock against Wolves. Manager Frank Lampard is currently sweating on his fitness. The likes of Christian Pulisic and Cesar Azpilicueta are likely to be integrated into the starting eleven after failing to register their name on the team sheet in the weekend.
Ruben Loftus Cheek and N’Golo Kante are ruled out for this clash. While Mateo Kovacic is expected to be available following a small lay-off, Callum Hudson-Odoi is expected to sit out after prioritising U-23 games to ease him into the first-team. Olivier Giroud, for all his experience in the European competition, could pip Tammy Abraham’s place on Tuesday.
Chelsea predicted lineup
Kepa Arrizabalaga, Cesar Azpilicueta, Andreas Christensen, Fikayo Tomori, Emerson Palmeiri, Jorginho, Mateo Kovacic, Ross Barkley, Christian Pulisic, Pedro, Olivier Giroud.
