Lille vs Chelsea: As Chelsea prepare to fly to France taking on Lille, we look at three crucial players.
Chelsea will take on Lille in the second game week of the Champions League in France. Both the sides have lost their opening games, with the Blues getting edged by Valencia, while their opponents were thumped 3-0 by Ajax away from home.
This game will guarantee goals as Lille and Chelsea have inferior backlines while compared to their forward department. As it as a huge game for the French and English side, it could be down to tiniest of margins. They both sit rock bottom with zero points, but it’s bound to change on Wednesday as the game will be intriguing with both the sides daring to go head-to-head.
The domestic record of Chelsea and Lille are identical, with both the sides scoring tons of goals and struggling in the defensive aspect of the game. Chelsea are seen as the favourites, but Lille will have an opportunity to run over their opponent’s defence – should they be at full-throttle.
We look at three players who could have their say in this game on Wednesday night.
#3 Mason Mount (Chelsea)
Mason Mount hasn’t just shown glimpses of his talent, but has taken over the authority in the creative side of the midfield position. The young midfielder, who has been on his toe during his early days, has shone behind Tammy Abraham.
The 20-year-old has scored three goals in the Premier League, but he’s yet to find the back of the net in the Champions League. In fact, Mount was taken off in the previous game against Valencia after being the victim from Francis Coquelin’s horrific challenge. Even though the injury was feared to be the worst, he featured in the weekend against Liverpool.
He has the technicality to get past players and pick out passes. In his early days with Abraham, the Blues faithful have witnessed some samples of the linkup, which could prove to be pivotal in the coming years.
#2 Victor Osimhen (Lille)
Summer signing Victor Osimhen has been one of the standout players in the Ligue 1 this season. The Nigerian International has bagged six goals and two assists from eight domestic games and could have his say in front of the goal, if provided a chance on Wednesday.
The French side are known for their attacking methods and they could cause rampage if they find their feet. The previous season saw Lyon beating and drawing Manchester City home and away respectively. It can be the same as Lille are also renowned for their offensive prowess and win back the ball in dangerous areas of the pitch.
Lille have a problem as they are solely dependent on the forward line. Their midfield is not the experienced, and Osimhen will be hoping that his teammates supply him relentlessly.
#1 Tammy Abraham (Chelsea)
Tammy Abraham has been the pick of the lot in the Premier League this season. The young striker has found the back of the net in three games, scoring seven goals. He has managed to start only on five occasions and has been kept quiet on two occasions till date.
There were several question mark over Tammy Abraham’s fitness, but the striker has been featuring in the Premier League and Champions League – forcing the Europa League winner Olivier Giroud to warm the bench. Frank Lampard has refused to leave him out by not considering the burnout, which is bound to happen at one point of time.
Chelsea are also welcoming Callum Hudson-Odoi to the squad and his addition will add another dimension to the Blues attack. Should the trio of Abraham, Mount, and Hudson-Odoi form a partnership upfront – goals are guaranteed and Abraham will also notch up in front of the goal.
