Frank Lampard will guide his Chelsea side into their first Champions League fixture of the year against Valencia at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday evening.
Chelsea Host Valencia In Champions League
Spanish Side Head To Stamford Bridge
Chelsea enter their first Champions League tie of the season following an impressive 5-2 win at Wolves on Saturday.
Fikayo Tomori opened his account for the Blues with a stunning effort prior to three goals from Tammy Abraham. The England international netted an own goal before Patrick Cutrone pulled another goal back for the hosts.
However, Mason Mount finished well in second-half stoppage time to seal the victory.
Valencia, on the other hand, suffered a heavy defeat by the same scoreline as Albert Celades’ side were beaten comfortably by Barcelona at the Camp Nou.
The Spanish side’s fans were still suffering from the shock dismissal of Marcelino as they watched their side concede twice in the opening seven minutes.
Form to Play a Big Factor?
Chelsea enter the fixture unbeaten in their previous four matches in the Premier League. Home draws with Leicester City and Sheffield United were deemed disappointing by the Blues supporters; however, the destruction of a well-regimented Wolves side showed all the prospects of what Lampard’s young Chelsea side are capable of fulfilling.
The London side’s defence, which has conceded 13 goals in six matches, remains a weak link but Chelsea’s philosophy is about getting results rather than assuring the entire squad.
Team News
Antonio Rudiger (groin) is likely to sit out, leaving Kurt Zouma to feature alongside Andreas Christensen and Fikayo Tomori. N’Golo Kante is still working on an existing ankle sprain.
Willian, who came through his first 90 minutes of the season against Wolves, could be rested in favour of Christian Pulisic.
Celades could also look to make changes for his side’s visit to Stamford Bridge.
Geoffrey Kondogbia is likely to return to Valencia’s midfield as Kevin Gameiro will likely miss out.
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