Chelsea returns to action in the Champions League once again on Tuesday evening. Thomas Tuchel’s men kick off their Round of 16 campaign against reigning French champion Lille. Les Dogues have had a disappointing season and things only look to be getting worse for them after finishing atop their group and still somehow drawing the UEFA Champions League title holders. It’s a dream draw for the English side, who has struggled to stay afloat domestically over the last few months. Nevertheless, very seldom do top tier European sides just roll over and accept defeat with little pushback. Lille will certainly look to make it competitive over the two legs.
The Blues will likely be without a number of key players once again. Mason Mount only just returned to training on Monday, he looks unlikely to feature. Wingbacks Ben Chilwell and Reece James will also miss out on the clash through injuries, the latter looking likely to return to the pitch soon though. The home side should still have enough attacking firepower within its ranks—which include the club’s two most expensive transfers in Kai Havertz and Romelu Lukaku—to take a sizable advantage to France in a few weeks’ time.
Here is how The Pride of London team sees the contest playing out:
Kevin Peacock: 2-0 Chelsea
The Blues are a big game team and having overcome Crystal Palace at the weekend by the skin of their teeth, the visit of Lille will hopefully see Tuchel’s men step it up a gear. There has been so much written about Lukaku’s lack of goals and for that matter, effort, but he is a proven striker and will come good . . . surely he will. In the chase for trophies, this is a big week for Chelsea, with two cups already in the cabinet and one will certainly be decided on Sunday. The Champions League is in the balance though. Lille could prove tough opposition, after all, there are no easy games at this level but expect the Blues to do it on the big stage once again.
Olaoluwa Nwobodo: 2-0 Chelsea
The whole football community is talking about the Blues’ attack, which is why they’re about to have one of their best games of the season. Chelsea cannot afford to be overconfident, as Lille is here for a reason.
Gabe Henderson: 1-0 Chelsea
I don’t really have any confidence that the Blues will score two goals from open play anymore. This is especially true against a team that will be set up in a low block looking to give itself a chance at home in a few weeks.
Olly Smith: 3-0 Chelsea
Lille isn’t the team it was last season, but it’s not the time to write it off just yet. Three to nil is unflattering to Lille and it won’t tell the full story of a game that will be end-to-end. Chelsea will labour to the victory, scoring one early and two very late goals. Timo Werner will return and score, Christian Pulisic and N’Golo Kante to score the others.
Nate Hofmann: 1-0 Chelsea
Labored as it may seem, the Blues have shown an aptitude for just barely getting the job done in cup competitions with a regularity that suggests something more than luck. At this point, it feels like there’s an iron will and pragmatic mentality sewn into the fabric of this squad. Even if Tuchel’s squad doesn’t show up with their scoring boots on, you just trust that they’ll bag a positive result in the end, by hook or by crook.
Barrett Rouen: 2-0 Chelsea
I think we play much better against Lille than Palace and take this one looking like we do in cup competitions.
What is your score prediction? Let us know in the comments or on Twitter!