World Cup 2018 has finally arrived. Round one will offer a slow start for the Chelsea players, but one to build on later in the tournament.
Fourteen Chelsea players enter the group stages. Many will leave at the end of them. But they are all guaranteed at least three games. But for fans of the Blues, the only interest is in whether they are going to play or not. Here is the run down of round one fixtures and how likely it is that the Chelsea players play.
Spain, Cesar Azplicueta (unlikely), 15 June, 19:00 GMT
First up for Chelsea in the World Cup is Cesar Azpilicueta who is unlikely to play. Generally, his time at Spain has seen him be the back up. But the last minute sacking of Julen Lopetegui has possibly thrown the Spanish camp into disarray. Anything could happen, including Azpilicueta starting. But it is more likely that Spain will struggle mightily against Portugal as they see a poor start to the tournament.
France, N’Golo Kante/Olivier Giroud (guaranteed/likely), 16 June, 11:00 GMT
France have an easy start to the World Cup with a match against Australia. But just because it is easy does not mean that they will not go all out. Australia will be in for a long day as France look to start strong. Kante will start but Giroud has more question marks. His injury in the last friendly before the tournament might delay his introduction to the World Cup. Either way, France should have no problem.
Argentina, Willy Caballero (likely), 16 June, 14:00 GMT
Much is riding on Argentina in this World Cup, primarily to win it for Lionel Messi so he can throw himself into the greatest-of-all-time conversation without in but-what-abouts. Sergio Romero’s injury before the tournament all but guarantees Caballero starts in goal. But it does not entirely guarantee it as any of the Argentine keepers could step in with little difference.
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Denmark, Andreas Christensen (likely), 16 June, 17:00 GMT
Christensen did not get a great deal of playing time towards the end of his Chelsea season. No problem there for the World Cup as he is likely to start all of Denmark’s matches. He was in and out of the squad so anything is possible, but expect to see him get the nod against a plucky Peruvian side. The winner of the match will likely take second in the group, and Christensen will want to see his side into the knockout stages.
Nigeria, Victor Moses/Kenneth Omeruo (guaranteed/unlikely), 16 June, 20:00 GMT
Nigeria have won the hearts and minds of many by having one of the best kits in the tournament. Chelsea will have two players capable of wearing it in Moses and Omeruo. Moses is sure to start as he was vital for Nigeria in the last few years. Omeruo has fallen out of the side however, so do not expect to see much of him before he is eventually sold by Chelsea. Winner of the match against Croatia likely takes second and Moses will want to advance.
Germany, Antonio Rudiger (unlikely), 17 June, 16:00 GMT
Germany start their World Cup defense with a tricky match against Mexico. It is always hard to tell exactly which Mexican side shows up to the World Cup, but the Germans are likely to treat them as if they were the fantastic side. Unfortunately for Chelsea fans, Germany is so stacked that Rudiger is unlikely to get any playing time in the first match outside of a substitute appearance.
Brazil, Willian (likely), 17 June, 19:00 GMT
Like many nations, there is a sense that a lot is riding on Brazil winning it. They need to make up for going out in such an embarrassing way (on home soil) last time. Switzerland will not be the toughest of opponents, but they will be tricky nonetheless. Willian is favored in the side, but with an attack so stacked nothing is guaranteed.
Belgium, Thibaut Courtois/Eden Hazard/Michy Bathshuayi (guaranteed/guaranteed/unlikely), 18 June, 16:00 GMT
Belgium’s golden generation has peaked and it is now or never. They are outside favorites but they could pull off an upset with the talent they have available. Hazard is captain and will start every match. Courtois is the clear first choice keeper and will do the same. Batshuayi probably will not start a game bar a dead rubber, but he could be vital from the bench.
England, Gary Cahill/Ruben Loftus-Cheek (likely/unlikely) 18 June, 19:00 GMT
Expectations of England went from “just do not embarrass the nation” to “we are going to win the World Cup” incredibly quickly. Could they? Absolutely. Will they? That remains to be seen. Cahill will suit up as a veteran option in the back three. Unfortunately, Loftus-Cheek will probably be seen as too green to start, but he could be important as a super sub later on.
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Which Chelsea player will make the biggest splash in round one? Let us know in the comments and on Twitter!