{"id":528421,"date":"2019-09-16T17:58:12","date_gmt":"2019-09-16T21:58:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonfootball.com\/?p=528421"},"modified":"2019-09-16T17:58:12","modified_gmt":"2019-09-16T21:58:12","slug":"chelsea-valencia-champions-league-preview","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/2019\/09\/16\/chelsea-valencia-champions-league-preview\/","title":{"rendered":"Frank Lampard Leads Chelsea Into Champions League Opener Against Valencia"},"content":{"rendered":"

Frank Lampard<\/a> will guide his Chelsea<\/a> side into their first Champions League fixture of the year against Valencia at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday evening.<\/p>\n

Chelsea Host Valencia In Champions League<\/h2>\n

Spanish Side Head To Stamford Bridge<\/h3>\n

Chelsea enter their first Champions League tie of the season following an impressive 5-2 win at Wolves<\/a> on Saturday.<\/p>\n

Fikayo Tomori opened his account for the Blues with a stunning effort prior to three goals from Tammy Abraham<\/a>. The England international netted an own goal before Patrick Cutrone pulled another goal back for the hosts.<\/p>\n

However, Mason Mount finished well in second-half stoppage time to seal the victory.<\/p>\n

Valencia, on the other hand, suffered a heavy defeat by the same scoreline as Albert Celades’ side were beaten comfortably by Barcelona<\/a> at the Camp Nou.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Form to Play a Big Factor?<\/h3>\n

Chelsea enter the fixture unbeaten in their previous four matches in the Premier League. Home draws with Leicester City<\/a> and Sheffield United<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Team News<\/h3>\n

Antonio Rudiger<\/a> (groin) is likely to sit out, leaving Kurt Zouma<\/a> to feature alongside Andreas Christensen<\/a> and Fikayo Tomori. N’Golo Kante<\/a> is still working on an existing ankle sprain.<\/p>\n

Willian, who came through his first 90 minutes of the season against Wolves, could be rested in favour of Christian Pulisic<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Celades could also look to make changes for his side’s visit to Stamford Bridge.<\/p>\n

Geoffrey Kondogbia<\/a> is likely to return to Valencia’s midfield as Kevin Gameiro<\/a> will likely miss out.<\/p>\n

Main Photo<\/p>\n

Embed from Getty Images<\/a>