As the fifth round of the UEFA Champions League group stage commences this midweek, Chelsea and Valencia will both be hoping to secure a place in the knockout stages of this season’s competition, when they face off at the Mestalla Stadium in Spain. Currently, in second and third places respectively, the clubs are separated by just a single point, and this fixture could have a massive say in the eventual result of the group.
While Los Ches secured what was their second win of the group so far, the Blues played out a memorable 4-4 draw against Ajax. If the Blues were to get the win, it would guarantee their place in the next round of the competition, while any other result could make the sixth gameweek a very interesting one indeed.
Talking Tactics
Valencia
The Spanish outlet are often seen playing with a rather conventional 4-4-2, that utilises two out-and-out attackers performing the striker’s role. While Rodrigo and Maxi Gomez have been the first-choice so far this term, the availability of Kevin Gameiro off the bench makes them a deadly side on the break. They tend to utilise the central areas of the pitch effectively, and the wingers are given the right to cut inside as well. They don’t try to press the ball too much and are happy to invite the pressure and play on the break, especially against the bigger teams.
Chelsea
The Blues’ midfield, consisting of Mateo Kovacic, Jorginho and N’Golo Kante, could potentially be one of the deadliest in the whole continent, and coming up against a usually dominant Valencia core, could result in a feisty encounter. While the Spanish club will hope to neutralise the Blues pacy attacks in the middle of the park, it will be essential for the Blues’ midfielders to circulate the ball well and ensure that they create the necessary openings to get the win.
Team News
Valencia
Denis Cheryshev has been pushing to make his return to action after a slight injury he picked up recently but considering Los Ches’ busy La Liga schedule, rushing him into the side would seem like a silly thing to do. Also, Kevin Gameiro only came on as a substitute in their defeat to Real Betis on the weekend, meaning that he could be in contention to start this tie as well.
Valencia Predicted Lineup: Cillessen; Costa, Gabriel, Mangala, Gaya; Torres, Parejo, Wass, Vallejo; Gameiro, Gomez
Chelsea
The Blues will surely be without Antonio Rudiger and Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who are both still nursing long-term knocks. Although Callum Hudson-Odoi missed the weekend fixture against Manchester City, he is expected to make his return to the squad, but mostly just off the bench. Andreas Christensen is another who could well be involved in proceedings over the ninety minutes.
Chelsea Predicted Lineup: Kepa; Azpilicueta, Tomori, Zouma, Alonso; Kante, Jorginho, Willian, Mount, Pulisic, Abraham
Key Men
Valencia
Maxi Gomez, alongside midfield star Daniel Parejo, has been Los Ches’ best player so far this campaign, and he’s contributed with six goals as well. Also, the bombarding runs of Spanish full-back José Gaya could cause this Chelsea defence a lot of problems.
Chelsea
N’Golo Kante’s return to full fitness has come as a massive boon to Frank Lampard. The Frenchman pitched in with a goal against City on the weekend and will have to be at his best in Spain. Christian Pulisic’s directs attacking runs could also come into play in the latter stages of the game.
Odds
Valencia certainly aren’t the club they once used to be. Although they’re more than capable of giving any team a tough Champions League outing at the Mestalla, the Blues are expected to get the victory they’re chasing. With a Valencia win at 5/2 and a Chelsea win at 1/1, the Blues are the clear favourites to dominate this tie.
