Chelsea know that a win is crucial if they’re to reach the Champions League Knockout Stage, as they welcome LOSC Lille to Stamford Bridge in Group H.
With Ajax and Valencia meeting in the other match, Chelsea must win in order to progress although a point would be enough if Ajax beats Valencia.
Team news
Embed from Getty ImagesFikayo Tomori is ruled out of Chelsea’s squad after picking up a hip strain which kept him out of Saturday’s loss at Everton.
Antonio Rudiger could return from a lengthy groin injury but manager, Frank Lampard thinks this game “will come too soon” for the defender.
Oliver Giroud (undisclosed), Marco van Ginkel (knee) and Ruben Loftus-Cheek (Achilles) are also absent.
Lille will be without Timothy Weah due to a thigh injury whilst Adama Soumaoro (muscle) and Reinildo Mandava (ankle) are doubtful.
Stat Attack
- Chelsea won their only previous meeting with Lille back in October, by a 2-1 result at Stade Pierre-Mauroy.
- Lille has scored just six away goals in all competitions this season.
- Chelsea are unbeaten in two of their last three home games against French opposition, of which all three were against PSG (W1, D1, L1).
Prediction
Chelsea will be pleased to have Lille as their last group game because after recent performances, they are beginning to look shaky when defending which is a concern given their attacking quality.
Lille however has been dire on the road this season so I can’t see them mounting much of a challenge, although they will make it tough for the likes of Mason Mount and Tammy Abraham.
Chelsea should therefore seal qualification with a routine win.
Prediction: Chelsea 2-0 LOSC Lille