Chelsea return to European club football in midweek as they make the trip to German outfit Borussia Dortmund for the first leg of the Round of 16 clash in the Champions League.
The Blues advanced to the knockout stages of the competition after topping Group E, while Dortmund settled for a second-place finish in Group G behind Premier League champions Manchester City.
Wednesday night’s contest is likely hold much importance for the embattled Chelsea side and their under-fire manager Graham Potter who will be looking to steer his side back to winning ways after spending big in the January transfer window.
With the new signings at his disposal, Potter has hopes of a reversal of fortunes for the Blues who have won only three of the last 14 games across all competitions, an alarming stat which extended after the recent 1-1 draw against West Ham United in the London derby.
The Blues took the lead in the weekend contest against West Ham through January signing Joao Felix but former Chelsea man Emerson Palmieri cancelled out the strike in the first half itself to earn a point for David Moyes’ men.
With ambitious of a top four finish in the Premier League this season looking wafer thin as Potter’s side sit 10th in the Premier League table, going all the way in the Champions League may well be the requirement for Chelsea should they wish to turn out in the elite club competition again next season.
Their upcoming opponents Dortmund have been in flying form since the World Cup break with Sunday’s 2-0 league win away at Werder Bremen a sixth victory on the bounce for Edin Terzic’s side.
WHEN & WHERE?
Date: Wednesday 15 February 2023
Time: 8 PM GMT
Venue: Westfalenstadion
TEAM NEWS
It remains to be seen whether Raheem Sterling, Mateo Kovacic and Kalidou Koulibaly are given the nod to make the squad with a late call expected to be made over their match fitness.
N’Golo Kante, Christian Pulisic and Armando Broja are long-term injury concerns at the Bridge while Edouard Mendy is also sidelined with a finger injury.
Aubameyang, Benoit Badiashile, Noni Madueke, David Datro Fofana and Andrey Santos were not registered in Chelsea’s squad for the knockout stages of the Champions League which means that they are ineligible for selection.
KEY BATTLE
Jude Bellingham vs Mason Mount
It could be the midfield that dictates the result of the game for either side and England teammates Jude Bellingham and Mason Mount will hope to be the catalyst for their respective teams.
Dortmund starlet Bellingham has attracted interest from Europe’s biggest clubs ahead of this summer and with Chelsea also said to be keeping tabs on him, the 19-year-old will be looking to make a great impression on his suitors in the midweek tie.
Chelsea playmaker Mason Mount’s future at the club remains up in the air but that does not take anything away from his influence on the pitch in the attacking third and troubling the opposition backline.
MATCH PREDICTION
The Blues are the underdogs for the Champions League clash against Dortmund who have been on top form of late and are the favourites to clinch the win in the first leg.
Borussia Dortmund 2-0 Chelsea
