Two things to watch for in Chelsea at Zenit in the Champions League

2. A very tight affair

While Chelsea is the obvious favourite to win the game, and it most probably will win, the affair could be a lot tighter and most of the game could be contested in the midfield. This will be one of those games where fans will probably be treated to a relatively dull 1-0 scoreline. The stereotypical ‘first team to score’ bit will apply and that side will take the three points home. Given the way Chelsea has been defending recently, Tuchel might drastically change the tactics to make the side even more tight and difficult to score against. However, this will obviously mean that the attack will not be as strong as before and a single goal could decide the game.

Like the last match against Zenit, where most of the game was played in the Russian side’s half of the pitch, this one might go in a similar fashion. The Russian outfit was extremely organized last time around and it managed to stop almost every Chelsea attack before it became too dangerous. Not allowing the Blues to get into the final third of the pitch was the way the visitors kept the scoreline at 0-0 before Lukaku came through with an unstoppable header. Without that one singular look on goal goal, it could have been a very frustrating night for Chelsea fans.

This time around it will be even more difficult for the Blues to get in behind the back line of Zenit, as the home team will be missing a lot of key players. Lukaku is not a guaranteed starter due to fitness, neither is Timo Werner. Last time the Blues had only two shots on target, although they dominated possession, and it might turn out to be similar in the upcoming game. While it could be extremely frustrating, Chelsea will just have to try again and again until it can wear down Zenit’s stubborn defence. Hopefully the Blues convert from the few chances they might get.

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