{"id":298799,"date":"2018-11-28T11:34:15","date_gmt":"2018-11-28T16:34:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lwosonfootball.ms.lastwordonsports.com\/?p=298799"},"modified":"2018-11-28T11:34:15","modified_gmt":"2018-11-28T16:34:15","slug":"chelsea-entertain-paok-salonika","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/2018\/11\/28\/chelsea-entertain-paok-salonika\/","title":{"rendered":"Europa League: Chelsea Entertain PAOK Salonika"},"content":{"rendered":"

Chelsea<\/a> will be looking to bounce back from last weekend’s dismal performance against Tottenham<\/a> as they return to Europa League action.<\/p>\n

Europa League: Chelsea Entertain PAOK Salonika<\/h1>\n

PAOK<\/a> are the visitors to Stamford Bridge as the Group L leaders aim to secure top spot. Qualification was confirmed following a 1-0 win away to BATE Borisov<\/a> during the last round of fixtures.<\/p>\n

A point is all that’s needed to confirm the Blues as a top seed in the round-of-32 later on in the season.<\/p>\n

Team News<\/h2>\n

Chelsea<\/h3>\n

Maurizio Sarri is set to shuffle the pack with Chelsea entertaining Fulham on Sunday in a West-London derby.<\/p>\n

During the pre-match press conference, the Italian confirmed that Victor Moses<\/a> is the only major injury concern. Sarri also gave an update on Eden Hazard’s<\/a> ankle problem that he sustained at Wembley, deeming it ‘not serious’. However, he did mention that the Belgian will be rested tomorrow night.<\/p>\n

It’s likely the former Napoli boss will continue with a similar starting line-up to those that he has picked in previous Europa League games.<\/p>\n

That would mean a start for the fringe players within the squad. Olivier Giroud<\/a> will be hoping to get a start after coming off the bench to score a consolation at the weekend.<\/p>\n

It’s unlikely any youngsters will get a chance to start though. Sarri spoke of how difficult it is to include the likes of Callum Hudson-Odoi<\/a> with 28 players at his disposal. He did, however, confirm the 18-year-old is included in the 18-man squad to face PAOK.<\/p>\n

PAOK<\/h3>\n

The Greeks will be well aware a defeat could end their hopes of advancing to the next round. A win for Mol Vidi at BATE Borisov would confirm their exit\u00a0unless they can pull off a shock victory at Stamford Bridge.<\/p>\n

The Greek champions are once again dominating on home soil. They currently sit five points clear at the top of the Greek Super League with ten wins and a draw from eleven fixtures.<\/p>\n

Manager R\u0103zvan Lucescu is most likely to field the same team that beat Xanthi 2-0 at the weekend. Second half goals from Mauricio and Alexsandar Prijovic<\/a> secured another three points for PAOK.<\/p>\n

Their Europa League form hasn’t been as bright as their domestic form though. Despite a 1-0 defeat at home to Chelsea on matchday one, they resoundingly beat BATE 4-1 in Belarus.<\/p>\n

However, since then they have lost their lost two matches against Mol Vidi; 2-0 at home and 1-0 away. No injury problems have been reported and they have travelled to London with a full squad.<\/p>\n

Who to Look Out For<\/h2>\n

Olivier Giroud<\/h3>\n

The Frenchman endured a torrid start to the season\u00a0and only scored his first goal a fortnight ago at BATE. He has since added another against Spurs.<\/p>\n

The former Arsenal man is likely to start against PAOK, and will want to take any opportunity to prove to Maurizio Sarri that he can lead the Chelsea line on a regular basis.<\/p>\n

His strength could prove pivotal against a stubborn Greek defence, and there’s every chance his experience could make him a match winner.<\/p>\n

L\u00e9o J\u00e1ber<\/h3>\n

The young Brazilian joined PAOK last summer from Russian outfit Akhmat Grozny. The 20-year-old showed flashes of what he has to offer during the home game with Chelsea.<\/p>\n

He is a tricky winger with bags of pace to test The Blues backline. Recent defensive frailties could well be put to the test, and J\u00e1ber will see this as a great opportunity to shine on a bigger stage.<\/p>\n

Prediction<\/h2>\n

Chelsea will want to get back to winning ways. A convincing performance would see them go into the weekend on a high. PAOK offered very little earlier in the season, but are sure to be a stern test. The Blues are obviously far stronger as a unit and should see their class shine through.<\/p>\n

Score prediction: Chelsea 2-0 PAOK<\/p>\n

Main Image Credit:
\nEmbed from Getty Images<\/a>