2021-22 UEFA Champions League Round of 16: First Leg – Chelsea vs Lille

Chelsea welcome Lille to Stamford Bridge in the first leg of their Round of 16 tie in 2021-22 UEFA Champions League.

Thomas Tuchel’s Blues advanced to this stage as runners-up of Group H, whilst Lille qualified for this round by virtue of winning Group G.

 

Team News

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Cesar Azpilicueta and Callum Hudson-Odoi are doubts for Chelsea after they missed the Blues’ Premier League win at Crystal Palace on Saturday with a knock.

Reece James (hamstring), Ben Chilwell (knee) and Mason Mount (ankle) remain absent.

Lille could be without Angel Gomes after he suffered a calf injury in Saturday’s goalless draw against Metz in Ligue 1.

Edon Zhegrova was red carded in that same match but his suspension only applies to domestic matches, meaning that he will be available for selection in this match.

 

Stat Attack

• Chelsea have won each of their two previous meetings against Lille by 2-1 results, which came in Group Stage of 2019-20 UEFA Champions League.
• Lille are winless in their only previous trip to Stamford Bridge, losing 2-1 in December 2019, with Loic Remy scoring a 78th minute consolatory goal against his former team.
• Lille have lost each of their two previous away legs in knockout ties across all UEFA competitions against English opposition without scoring.
• Chelsea have kept clean sheets in their last four home matches in Champions League, whilst scoring 11 goals.
• Four of Lille’s six away Champions League goals this season were scored by Jonathan David and Burak Yilmaz, with both players scoring twice each.

 

Prediction

Although Chelsea’s recent performances haven’t been exactly impressive by any stretch, they are still winning matches by hook or crook but they did strike lucky with a clinical winner because Palace did cause them issues despite having an energetic attack.

Lille meanwhile did well to scrap their way to a goalless draw at home to Metz on Saturday but their form has been inconsistent, especially with a leaky defence which looks vulnerable with just eight clean sheets in 34 games across all competitions.

On that note, Chelsea on paper should win comfortably but they haven’t exactly been at the races and Lille haven’t conceded in their last two games, so this could be tighter than many might think but anything less than a home win would be a surprise.

Prediction: Chelsea 2-1 Lille

Result: Chelsea 2-0 Lille