Ace Football previews the Champions League clash between Chelsea and Sevilla, and offers the latest betting tips, line-ups, odds, and team news.
A mouth-watering Champions League curtain-raiser awaits at Stamford Bridge between Chelsea and Sevilla on Tuesday night.
The two sides are in Group E for the 2020/21 campaign alongside Rennes and Krasnodar. Progression into the knockouts is expected, but who will grab that all-important top spot? Sealing it ensures an easier tie in the last-16 and, potentially, the latter stages. Therefore, we can expect an all-out game in London.
Chelsea, for one, will be desperate to get off to a winning start in their Champions League. Then again, Sevilla’s track record in Europe proves they cannot be underestimated in what should be an entertaining game.
Chelsea Form & Stats
Recent history doesn’t reflect well on Chelsea in this competition, having exited at the last-16 stage in their last four campaigns. The 7-1 aggregate loss to Bayern Munich last time out will, no doubt, play on their minds. It exposed the gulf in class between them and the European champions.
A summer laden with expensive signings prompted hope of the Blues recapturing their former glories. And while it’s still early days, their start to the season has been anything but impressive. They’ve only collected eight points out of a possible 15 in their opening five Premier League games, leaving them down in eighth.
Saturday’s 3-3 draw at home to Southampton, meanwhile, exposed their lingering defensive issues. Frank Lampard may have welcomed Ben Chilwell, Thiago Silva, and Edouard Mendy over the summer, but the defense is still a work in progress.
Although Mendy’s return to training from injury could be a welcome bit of news for the Blues boss. The Senegalese, therefore, could replace Kepa in goal.
Key Team Stats
- Won one of their last four games in all competitions.
- Over 3.5 goals in four of their last five games in all competitions.
- Scored 17 goals in their last five games in all competitions.
Sevilla Form & Stats
Sevilla, meanwhile, have fared little better than Chelsea this season with just two wins in their opening four LaLiga games after Saturday’s 1-0 loss at Granada. It’s left down in 10th-place in the standings on seven points.
Julen Lopetegui’s side, however, arrive at Stamford Bridge on the back of winning a record sixth Europa League title in August.
Their latest success in the competition was impressive considering they overcame Roma, Wolves, Manchester United, and Inter Milan. The last two ties, in particular, were standout moments. Not only were they valuable victories, but they proved Sevilla’s mettle.
But now that the Andalusian side have proven capable of matching Europe’s best teams, it’s time to carry over their Europa League form onto the biggest stage.
Key Team Stats
- Lost just one of their last 12 away games in all competitions (W5 D6).
- Over 2.5 goals in their last five league games.
- Scored 1+ goals twice in their last five league games.
Team News
Chelsea: Billy Gilmour (out); Edouard Mendy (doubt).
Sevilla: Sergio Escudero (out); Jules Kounde (COVID-19).
Predicted Line-up
(Note: The image will change to the official XI once they’re both announced)
Head-To-Head Form
First Team To Score
Match Facts
Betting Tips
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