Lille (0) vs. (2) Chelsea Champions League Round of 16 2nd Leg Preview

Get the job done.

Chelsea have somehow managed to gathered the funds to organise a trip to Lille for a game on Wednesday night. As Tuchel said though as long as Chelsea can turn up for the game that is all that matters. The first leg ended 2-0 for Chelsea and Lille go into this gam having to score a minimum of two without reply to take the game to extra time. Lille currently sit 6th in Ligue 1 having won two and drawn one of their games since the first leg. It hasn’t been the greatest season for the reigning champions but they are looking to at least seal a place in Europe for next season.

Chelsea go into this game having won four and drawn one of their games. The team is in good form on the pitch especially given all the noise off of it. Uptill now the critisiscm of the club has been unfair but they released a statement asking for the FA Cup tie against Middlesbrough to be played behind closed doors. The request was made mentioning “Sporting Integrity” and given the climate around the club right now it has given a chance for all the journalists and rival fans to jump on Chelsea again. Amid all of this upheavel Chelsea are due a tough trip at an away team in Europe.

Tuchel in his pre match press conference said all the right things once again. When asked about potential Saudi owners he said that it was up to the UK government to decide who was fit to own a club in teh country. When asked about chants being discussed in parliament he said the government needs to focus their energies elsewhere.

Chelsea Team Preview

It does look like Chilwell is back to being the only injured player once again. Alonso and Azpilicueta are fully fit while Hudson-Odoi, and Reece James have returned to training but might not be risked. Mendy should start in goal with a back three of Chalobah, Silva, and Rudiger. Azpilicueta, and Saul should return as the wing backs with a midfield two of Kovacic, and Kante. Mount, Pulisic, and Havertz should start up front. If we decide to go with a back four then Ziyech should play as the winger on the right hand side. It’s a strong lineup and we need to keep the momentum going especially in attack. With five subs there will be several options on the bench as well.

Lille Team Preview

Lille should field the same team as they did in the first leg with some minor changes. Sanches, Bamba, Ben Arfa, Gudmundsson, and David are all threats up front and have plenty of pace to take the game to Chelsea. Lille were good in patches in the 1st leg and will hope that home advantage can help them. On the bench they will have the likes of Yilmaz and Weah that can cause problems.

Starting XI Prediction

Chelsea once again will have to block out the noise and focus on the game. The two goal cushion helps but we will have to be clinical and finish our chances. Put the game to bed early before Lille gain hope. COME ON CHELSEA!!!