Valencia welcome Chelsea to the Mestalla Stadium in a must win Champions League Group H clash.
Both teams are currently locked on seven points alongside Ajax meaning that a slip up here for Valencia could virtually end their qualification hopes, as they must face Ajax in their final group game next month.
Team news
Embed from Getty ImagesValencia are set to be without several players due to injury, including Denis Cheryshev, who picked up an injury in their last Champions League clash with Lille.
Geoffrey Kondogbia, Cristiano Piccini, Francis Coquelin, Mouctar Diakhaby and Ruben Sobrino are also sidelined for Los Ches.
Chelsea have no fresh injury concerns as Callum Hudson-Odoi looks doubtful to return from a hamstring injury.
Ross Barkley is a doubt as he nears a return from an ankle injury after a month out.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek (Achilles), Antonio Rudiger (groin) and Marco van Ginkel (knee) are definitely ruled out.
Stat Attack
- September’s 1-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge marked Chelsea’s first ever defeat to Valencia, having won and drawn three apiece from six previous meetings beforehand.
- Chelsea are unbeaten in three previous trips to Valencia, in which they scored five and conceded just three goals (W2, D1).
- None of Valencia’s six goals in the Champions League this season have come in the first-half.
Prediction
Chelsea were unlucky to lose at Manchester City on Saturday, so I am expecting a strong high pressing display but defence does need to tighten up and stop conceding easy goals.
Valencia however have suffered just one home loss all season so they should put up a strong fight, which could be key to their qualification hopes with a tough trip to Ajax in their final group game to come.
I therefore am expecting a scrappy battle with a point apiece which would suit Chelsea if not the win.
Prediction: Valencia 1-1 Chelsea
Result: Valencia 2-2 Chelsea
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