Valencia vs Chelsea
Champions League
Date: Wednesday, 27 November 2019
Kick-off at 17:55 UK / 18:55 CET
Venue: Estadio de Mestalla (Valencia).
VALENCIA
It was all to play for in Group H where Valencia will seal qualification if they win here having already beaten Chelsea on Matchday 1.
Francis Coquelin remains a doubt after missing the last few games, but the midfielder Carlos Soler returned from injury as a substitute at Real Betis on Saturday and could start.
Ezequiel Garay will be assessed after missing the Betis game so that the former Manchester City defender Eliaquim Mangala could start alongside Gabriel Paulista.
Predicted line-up (4-4-2): Cillessen; Wass, Garay, Gabriel Paulista, Style; Ferran Torres, Dani Parejo, Carlos Soler, Lee Kang-In; Maxi Gomez, Rodrigo
Not available: Diakhaby (Injured), Piccini (Hurt), Kondogbia (Hurt), Goncalo Guedes (Hurt), Cheryshev (Injured)
Doubtful: Coquelin (Injured), Garay (Hurt), Ruben Sobrino (Injured)
CHELSEA
Chelsea have taken seven points from three Champions League matches since defeat to Valencia and, like their opponents, will qualify with a win here.
Callum Hudson-Odoi will be assessed after missing Saturday's defeat at Manchester City with an injury he picked up on international duty, and England team-mate Ross Barkley remains in doubt.
Manager Frank Lampard is expected to rotate with the fixtures coming thick and fast so that Reece James, Andrew Christensen and Mason Mountain can be recalled to the starting XI.
Predicted line-up (4-2-3-1): Kepa; James, Zouma, Christensen, Marcos Alonso; Jorginho, Kante; Willian, Mountain, Pulisic; Batshuayi
Not available: Van Ginkel (Hurt), Loftus-Cheek (Hurt), Rudiger (Hurt), Hudson-Odoi (Injured)
Doubtful: Barkley (Injured)
Valencia vs Chelsea Predictions
Valencia are unbeaten in their last two clashes in Group H, and is now in contention for the top spot along with Ajax and Chelsea. Host is on the back in impressive form in La Liga as well and does not appear on the losing end in their last three games at home either.
their previous fight here, in particular, saw them post convincing 2-0 victory over Granada, with both Daniel Wass and Ferran Torres put the hosts ahead.
On the other hand, Chelsea are in a positive streak of their own at this point. The visitors did not concede defeat in their previous ten games in all competitions. They also have looked sharp in their events so far and has taken victory in all seven of their past trips, the latter of which was a 2-1 win over Watford.
Furthermore, the man Frank Lampard is not the same side that they are, at the beginning of the season. The squad finally hit the ground running, particularly in those clashes away from home.
However, given that Valencia has stumbled only once at the Estadio de Mestalla this campaign, the safest punt on this one should be multiple opportunities to support the Blues.
In addition, Chelsea's front line has been causing all sorts of trouble in the final third. Especially in the form of Tammy Abraham who has been right in the middle of things. Pulisic Christian also been a boon to the English outfit, though her presence, at this time, due to a hip injury doubt.
Regardless, the visiting contingent would be interested in racking up a tally of interest in this one. Valencia also tend to chip in to the scoreboards. Mainly because Chelsea have not kept a clean sheet in three previous visits to this place.
Given that the hosts managed to bag a goal in the reverse fixture of this fight, too, relying on the two sides to find the back of the net to come Wednesday.
Valencia vs Chelsea Betting tips
double opportunity: draw or Chelsea @ 1.40 (2/5)
Over 2.5 goals and both teams to score @ 1.80 (4/5).
