Chelsea‘s Champions League title defence continues with a round-of-16 clash tie against Lille. The Blues will welcome the French champions to Stamford Bridge in the first leg on Tuesday as they look to register their sixth straight win in all competitions.
Thomas Tuchel’s side, who defied the odds to win Europe’s elite club competition last season, only managed a second-place finish behind Juventus in their group this time around.
Lille, on the other hand, topped Group G after winning three and drawing two of their six games. The French side have never made it past the last-16 in Europe and will have their task cut out against a formidable Chelsea unit.
The Blues have won four straight home games in the Champions League without conceding a goal and have only lost two of their last 19 matches in the competition.
The two sides met in the group stage in 2019, with Chelsea winning both matches 2-1.
Chelsea vs Lille – Team News
Chelsea
Chelsea will be without key trio of Reece James, Mason Mount and Ben Chilwell who remain side-lined due to injury.
Cesar Azpilicueta missed the win against Crystal Palace at the weekend, but he could return for this game. Andreas Christensen, who deputised at right-back for the Spaniard against Palace, could move to his preferred centre-back position.
Romelu Lukaku had a miserable outing against Palace and Tuchel could be tempted to start Timo Werner in his place.
Lille
Mehmet Zeki Celik missed Lille’s 0-0 draw with Metz at the weekend due to suspension, but will return for this game. However, Angel Gomes is expected to miss out after picking up a knock on Friday.
Orestis Karnezis is unavailable through injury.
Chelsea vs Lille – Predicted Lineups
Chelsea predicted lineup (3-4-2-1): Mendy; Christensen, Silva, Rudiger; Azpilicueta, Jorginho, Kante, Alonso; Ziyech, Havertz; Werner
Lille predicted lineup (4-4-2): Jardim; Celik, Fonte, Botman, Gudmundsson; Weah, Andre, Xeka, Bamba; David, Yilmaz
Chelsea vs Lille – Key Players
Chelsea – Hakim Ziyech
Ziyech has been Chelsea’s most impressive player over the past month or so. The Moroccan winger has netted thrice in Chelsea’s last six games, including the winner against Palace at the weekend.
Lille – Jonathan David
The Canadian is Lille’s top-scorer this season with 16 goals in all competitions, three of which have come in the Champions League. David’s off-the-ball movement and speed could trouble the Chelsea backline.
Prediction: Chelsea 2-0 Lille
