Chelsea and AC Milan will go head-to-head at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday, October 5, 2022, in a long-awaited clash after 23 years as the Champions League group stage hits the halfway point.
The Blues sit at the bottom of the group after playing two matches without a win, while the Rossoneri have taken four points from four to occupy first place.
Pioli’s side played a draw against Salzburg and overcame Zagreb to occupy the top spot in Champions League Group E, while Chelsea lost to Zagreb and played a draw with Salzburg.
Chelsea supporters will hope that the new coach Graham potter gives them a victory in the third game of the 2022-23 Champions League group game as they welcome Italian rival AC Milan to Stamford Bridge for Wednesday’s Group E showdown.
Graham Potter’s first match was a frustrating tie as they share points with RB Salzburg, hence, victory on Wednesday against Milan would lay him a delightful welcome to Stanford Bridge.
Both Chelsea and the Italian champions AC Milan have demonstrated some defensive deficiencies during the past weeks, conceding in six straight games in all tournaments.
However, Pioli’s team has gone eight away matches without defeat and are now intending to end their European spell on England soil with their only victory in such games happening at Old Trafford against Manchester United in February 2005.
Probable Starting Lineup
Chelsea predicted XI:
Kepa; James, Fofana, Silva, Chilwell; Kovacic, Jorginho; Pulisic, Mount; Sterling, Aubameyang
AC Milan predicted XI:
Tatarusanu; Dest, Kalulu, Tomori, Ballo-Toure; Tonali, Bennacer; Krunic, De Ketelaere, Leao; Giroud
Chelsea V AC Milan Team News
Chelsea Team News
The Blues will likely be without new signing Marc Cucurella again as Chelsea’s boss Graham Potter prepares to take on the Italian rival AC Milan in the Champions League group showdown.
The summer signing missed Saturday’s Premier League victory against Crystal Palace due to illness, handing Ben Chilwell an unusual start, and the England national team left-back is set to continue his game with the Blues.
Meanwhile, the France national team football star N’Golo Kante is back to training but could be eased into action as a substitute before he completely regains his full form.
In the same vein, Chelsea’s no 1 goalkeeper Edouard Mendy has recently returned to training, but he is not yet fit for action, meaning Kepa Arrizabalaga will more than likely start in securing the Blue’s net.
Whereas, there are sure spots for Raheem Sterling and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to offer goals up front, with Graham Potter deploying a two-man frontline int their last time out.
AC Milan Team News
AC Milan’s long-winded injury list poses a threat of defeat as the Italian club travel to Stamford Bridge with tons of reasons to panic.
The Italian champions are struggling with what Italian media outlets are describing as an “injury crisis” and might turn to playing their youngsters to make up a full team.
However, coach Pioli is still loaded with quality choices in all areas of his team, including two former Chelsea players – Olivier Giroud and Fikayo Tomori who are determined to create a shock for their former side upon their return to the London club.
Mike Maignan, Junior Messias, Theo Hernandez, Divock Origi, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Alessandro Florenzi have already been ruled out, while Davide Calabria, Simon Kjaer and Alexis Saelemaekers could join them on the sidelines but former Chelsea forward Olivier Giroud is sure to feature.
Head-to-head
This is the first time that both European giant clubs would have their horns locked in a competitive match after 23 years.
Chelsea and AC Milan had previously played five matches together in which they both shared two victories and drew three games.
Match Prediction:
Most football pundits predict a draw, Chelsea 1-1 AC Milan.
Date, Kick-off time, and venue
Chelsea vs AC Milan Champions League match is scheduled to hold on Wednesday, October 5, 2022.
Venue: Stamford Bridge
Time: 8 pm BST.
Where to watch Chelsea vs AC Milan
The Champions League match will be televised on BT Sport 2 and Ultimate, with coverage beginning at 7 pm.
