Chelsea – AC Milan : Preview & Prediction
Thomas Tuchel was relieved of his Chelsea managerial duties after a shock 1-0 loss to Dinamo Zagreb in the UEFA Champions League (UCL) group stage opener, but Graham Potter’s reign began with an equally disappointing 1-1 draw with Salzburg on matchday two of the group stage. A last-gasp goal to win the Premier League match against Crystal Palace last weekend kicked off the Potter era, but a win here seems imperative considering Chelsea failed to qualify for the round of 16 in just one of their previous 18 UCL group stages.
This ‘Blues team has been the picture of inconsistency this season, with every game they have played producing different results (G4, E2, P3), although only six defeats in Chelsea’s last 32 UCL games suggest that improvement could be just around the corner (G19, E7, P6). Perhaps playing at Stamford Bridge will provide an added boost, as the two-time UCL winners have won without conceding in six of their last eight UCL matches in this competition (E1, P1).
A resounding 3-1 win over Empoli at the weekend kept Italian champions AC Milan near the top of Serie A ahead of this crucial clash in London. However, maintaining their unbeaten start to the UCL (G1, E1) may be difficult, with no fewer than nine players injured for Milan, although coach Stefano Pioli was quick to highlight the positives by stating, “It’s an opportunity for everyone to show that we are a strong team.”
The “rossoneri” have already matched their UCL group stage points from last season, when they finished last, and it seems unlikely to be repeated this time around given their record of qualifying in 12 of the last 13 group stage instances. To maintain their good run, Milan must end a run of three consecutive losses to Premier League opponents, including home and away defeats to Liverpool in last season’s group stage.
Players to watch: Two players will face their former teams. Chelsea’s Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang looks to score his first goal against his first club as a professional, while former Chelsea player Fikayo Tomori will be looking to frustrate him — the AC Milan defender scored in one of the defeats against English side Liverpool last season.
Key stat: Chelsea has failed to win nine of its last 11 meetings with Italian opponents anywhere (E3, P6).
Chelsea – AC Milan : Betting Tips
Chelsea – Win Odds: 1.75
