Five things to look for as Chelsea open Europa League campaign at PAOK

Chelsea look to continue their 100% start to the season as they visit PAOK to open their Europa League campaign.

After winning five out of five games in the Premier League, Chelsea focus their attention towards the Europa League. The Blues won the Europa League the last time they were part of it. In keeping with the number five, here are five things to look for as they start their journey to repeat the success of 2013.

1. The man between the sticks

Goalkeeping does not the have rotations of other positions in a line up. As a result, teams tend to give their first choice goalkeeper a rest in cup competitions to allow his deputies a chance. Willy Caballero was Chelsea’s choice in the early rounds of domestic cups last season, while Thibaut Courtois was the undisputed choice in the Premier League and Champions League.

Compared to the Champions League, the Europa League will be less challenging. As a result, either Caballero or Marcin Bulka, who was very impressive in the preseason, could get the nod to start tonight.

On the other hand, Kepa Arrizabalaga’s start to his Chelsea career has been good rather than spectacular. As a result it would not be much of a surprise if Chelsea stay with their designated No. 1 in Europe as well. It would allow Arrizabalaga to get used to being Chelsea’s starting goalkeeper, build his experience in Europe and get accustomed to his new club and the players in front of him.

2. Alvaro Morata starts his second chance

Maurizio Sarri’s decision to start Olivier Giroud was vindicated as the Frenchman played his part in Chelsea’s dominant victory on Saturday. Morata, who was left unused on Saturday, will be back to starting XI in Greece, according to the manager.

Morata could find inspiration from a certain former Spanish striker who played for Chelsea. Fernando Torres had an impressive Europa League campaign, even though he struggled in the Premier League. If Morata is to replicate such form, it can help him get back to his best in the Premier League as well.

Giroud has certainly made his case to be Chelsea’s first choice striker with his display on Saturday. If Morata cannot return to his expected levels, it will be tough for him to reclaim his spot back. But if he comes alive in Europe, having two in-form strikers will only benefit Chelsea as the season progresses.

3. Will youngsters get game time?

Three of Chelsea’s standout players during the preseason – Marcin Bulka, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Ethan Ampadu – have made the trip to Greece. Among the trio, Hudson-Odoi and Ampadu are most likely to get some game time as Sarri could look to rest a few seniors.

It’s rarely easy for Chelsea’s teenagers to see game time in the Premier League. The domestic cup competitions and early stages of Europa League are the best bet for them to feature for the side. Since Chelsea’s first opponents in the Carabao Cup are Liverpool, Sarri will be looking to field a relatively experienced side at Anfield. PAOK, BATE and MOL Vidi could figure prominently in the young Blues’ season.

There are a few senior players who have not featured as they would have liked so far. That is a factor which could determine the game time for the young duo. Fans will be hoping for at least one of them to get significant time to showcase their talent.

4. How much rotation will Maurizio Sarri choose?

Chelsea confirmed Eden Hazard, David Luiz, Mateo Kovacic and Emerson Palmieri did not make the trip to Greece. Emerson not making the trip likely means Marcos Alonso will be starting in the left-back position, even though fans would have liked Alonso to take some rest. Davide Zappacosta could be the right-back, while Gary Cahill, Andreas Christensen and Ampadu will be the candidates for center-back.

In the middle Ross Barkley, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Cesc Fabregas have chance to start. Alongside Alvaro Morata, it could be two among Victor Moses, Willian and Hudson-Odoi. Sarri would ideally want the players who started on Saturday and will start on Sunday to get some rest.

5. Keeping up the form

Maurizio Sarri has an almost clear-cut starting XI for the Premier League when all the players are fit. Since there could be plenty of changes in the starting lineup on Thursday it will be difficult for the players to gel as quickly as they would like. Chelsea have to be careful, then, not to let the opponents get the better of them early.

The home of PAOK, Toumba Stadium, is notorious for the fans. It will be a testing atmosphere for the boys in blue. The sooner they get into the rhythm, the better their chances of coming back with all three points.

With matches coming thick and fast, an early three points will be more than welcome for Maurizio Sarri’s Chelsea. Getting off the mark with a victory is always the ideal result, no matter the venue or opposition.