Sevilla hosts Chelsea in a battle for top spot in Group E.
It will be a much improved Chelsea side that visits the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán from the one we played in Matchday 1. Since that 0-0 draw on October 20th, they have gone unbeaten in 8 matches, with 6 wins & 2 draws. Also, they seemed to have solidified the defense, as they have only conceded 2 goals in that run. Contrasted with 18 goals in that sample of games, there are signs that Lampard’s team is increasingly growing into a tournament favourite. Having incorporated Ziyech & Abraham to the lineup, there are now many distinct threats in which the Blues can cause danger.
In the red corner, Sevilla was seen recovering from a rough end to October, to an ongoing run of 5 wins stemming from the start of November. We still haven’t witnessed an impressive 90 minutes from the team, but there are small indications that Lopetegui’s team is slowly getting back to playing at an elite level. Perhaps another test against a big team will speed up that process?
There are doubts over the fitness of Ocampos & De Jong, who had both trained separately from the squad yesterday. It may not be surprising to see some rotation, with a match against Real Madrid looming this weekend. But Lopetegui has assured that the desire is to finish top of the group, so a strong lineup is expected.
We are slowly growing in confidence with the way we’re achieving these results. This is definitely the best team we’re facing since the first meeting. It will truly be a test for our limited forward line, as Chelsea have taken great strides after having a leaky defense. It helps to have already qualified, to alleviate any unnecessary pressure. The perfect dress rehearsal for a very challenging month of December. Will the winning streak continue?
Interesting line up, considering we had to shift around and make things fit I don´t mind the outcome Lope gave it. Hope Idrissi can get some synergy going with En Nesyri. I do hope we play it as a 3 back on the field. Rekik as a left back is just limiting yourself too much, eventhough he is doing it to his ability and we can´t complain really.
I don´t want to just hear ¨we are going for the 1st spot¨. I want the players to show on the pitch that we DO want it. And that we are actually a team that seriously wants to compete, not just scrap by, and gets trough by luck of draw with our russian and french group mates. This is what I would like to see tonight. Some good spirit. If we lose, so be it.
A couple of things I can see happen, some lack to actually make things happen and another stale draw.
Chelsea steps up and outclasses our improvised line up.
I want to say we are going to dominate but I´m not sure if this line up is made for that. Hope we do tho, VAMMOOOOS!
Lol… it seems that we’re content with the 2nd place going with this formation. We needed the rotation though, and Chelsea has rested at least 2 of their key players too (Kante and Werner, not sure of others).
I’d be content with a goalless draw - a win would’ve been awesome!
I think Lope made La Liga a priority and it is logical at this point, especially with the match vs. RM on Saturday - if we somehow manage to win that one, we can be back in the title race, or it will be quite a backward step. While for CL, we are going to face tough teams in the knockout anyway, and judging by how we played against Bayern for the Supercup, I literally don’t fear any team as of now. In a good day, we can beat any team. If we can only fix things so that we win more comfortably against the weaker teams in La Liga, we will have a much better adventure this season.
Well but if you draw a giant because your 2nd. And directly go out, or you get some more doable matches and move on a round or two income goes up in the big millions so from a sports perspective maybe not, but bigger picture for sure.
I’m interested to see who plays at RW. May sound crazy, but i’d rather have Vázquez there cause i don’t want him to mess with that midfield. Him cutting inside could setup nicely for Navas.
A draw seems the logical, I mean who wants to bust a gut to win and risk injury for half a season?
If the stadium had 45,000 spectators there would be more adrenalin.
What are the consequences for a victory or defeat in the next draw?
What is the impact of a draw?
I don’t have a clue, don’t study those things, but if we’re serious about winning the Champions then we shouldn’t care who is in the way.
