Chelsea have reached Greece to play their first match of Europa league. Considering their Premier League performance in this season, the team deserves to be in Champions league. A disheartening campaign for Chelsea under Conte resulted in their exit for the first time since 2013. Nevertheless, bold as ever, the Blues are top title contenders for UEFA Europa league. Teamed up with PAOK in Group L, the Blues will kick-off their league campaign on Thursday.
When and Where?
Venue: Toumba Stadium, Salonika
Date: Thursday, 20 September
Kick-off time: 5:55pm BST
Head to Head
The teams have never played against each other. But what would be a point to worry for Sarri is that PAOK has never lost to an English team. Maybe, this may turn out a point to prove for the Blues, what kind of talent they have.
Team News
Sarri could make a lot of shuffles in the line-up keeping in mind the London derby is on its way this weekend. The second choice keeper Willy Caballero may be given a chance in place of record transfer youngster Kepa.
Cesc Fabregas and Ruben Loftus-Cheek may be seen in starting XI, if fit. Whereas, Ross Barkley may be given a go at the start. Hazard, Kante and Alonso will be rested.
“Hazard or Pedro will rest on Thursday,” Sarri said. ” Loftus-Cheek has a little problem with the right tibia. You saw today he wasn’t able to play, but I hope he can recover in the next two or three days.”
Chuba Akpom, who recently switched from Arsenal will be hoping for a place in PAOK’s playing XI along with PAOK’s talisman Prijovic. Ex-Swansea City midfielder Jose Canas and former Aston Villa full-back Crespo can expect a place in playing XI, expecting their experience in English football.
Kaddouri, who was at Napoli may line up for PAOK.
Probable Line-up
PAOK probable XI: Paschalakis; Matos(Gk) , Crespo, Varela, Freitas; Silveira Junior, Canas; Lima, El Kaddouri, Biseswar; Prijovic
Chelsea probable XI: Caballero(Gk) ; Moses, Christensen, Cahill, Palmieri; Ampadu, Fabregas, Barkley; Zappacosta, Pedro, Morata
