Valencia to match Chelsea at fortress Mestalla
Chelsea travel to the fortress Mestalla Stadium in by far the most important game in the entirety of Champions League matchday five. These two along with 2018/19 semi-finalists Ajax are all on seven points from four encounters, six ahead of Lille propping up Group H with a home draw with Valencia making up their tally.
Domestic form contrasts quite a lot between these teams, with Chelsea hugely exceeding expectations sat firmly inside the Premier League’s top four, and the Mates flattering to deceive, 10th in La Liga. So far failing to capitalise on the momentum they built towards the back end of 2018/19 when they narrowly clinched fourth place and beat Barcelona to be crowned Copa Del Rey winners for an eighth time.
Recent form
Valencia have only lost once at home in all competitions in 2019/20, a 3-0 defeat to group leaders Ajax, they have won three and drawn four in La Liga so will be tough to break down for FrankLampard’s youthful team. The Mates’ last four Champions League home games have brought over 2.5 goals, it will be tight it must be said as have all of Chelsea’s group stage encounters, with them all being decided by a one goal margin or less. In form 19-year-old Ferran Torres has scored beyond the 89th minute in the hosts last two home victories, he could slip in behind to get a decisive late strike again as the Blues tire coming off the back of their high intensity match at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday evening.
Advantage Chelsea
The Blues have a considerably easier sixth group stage game to fall back on in this one, hosting Lille compared to Albert Celades’ mens’ trip to the Amsterdam Arena. However the hosts arguably should throw more into this clash with their poor league form giving them little to play for at the top end of the table, the same cannot be said for Chelsea who despite their unlucky 2-1 loss to champions Manchester City last time out, have looked devastating particularly going forward in Lampard’s embryonic tenure.
Their remarkable comeback from 4-1 down to draw 4-4 with Ajax in matchday four will give them so much belief that anything is possible on Wednesday evening. Though having said that big game player Rodrigo may come good in this one, netting one of his only two goals this season as the winner in the reverse fixture deep into the second half in the reverse fixture. This could give a slight psychological edge against the inexperienced Blues centre of defence, the Spain international is 5/2 best price to score at anytime with Bethard.
There is more on the line for Valencia in this one with their final fixture being against Ajax, therefore they will throw everything into it with the belief they can win, harnessed from doing just that at Stamford Bridge on matchday one.
Post bet chat Marcus's Tips:
Valencia missed guilt-edged chances throughout including a penalties and two real sitters but ultimately drew 2-2 with Chelsea.