The Europa league is inching closer to a return from the break, and there is no doubt that most of the teams would be looking for ways in which they can solidify their grip on their groups. This is what Chelsea would absolutely love to do when they come face to face with BATE in their group L clash later this Thursday. However, this is one match in which Chelsea would have to win without their usual hero Eden Hazard there to pick them up and charge them to victory.
Eden Hazard was the subject of a back injury during the weekend and is not deemed fit enough to start for Chelsea on Thursday. He is not expected to even be back in time for the game on Sunday against Burnley. Under their new coach Sarri and his attacking football, Chelsea has enjoyed an excellent start to football this season, both in the Europa League and in the Premier League. This is shown in the way that they have succeeded in winning their first two games in the competition and sitting comfortably in the third position just behind the two leaders Liverpool and Manchester City.
However, Sarri is under no illusion that this match would be a walkover by his Chelsea team even though it is going to be played in Stanford Bridge. Sarri acknowledges the fact that at this moment, no game is comfortable even in the Europa league and his outfit would have to be at their best to beat this BATE side. BATE, on the other hand, has lost only four times this season. While Chelsea’s record is better than theirs, it clearly shows that they are not a side that is afraid to attack and Chelsea would have to be cautious in their gameplay.
BATE currently are sitting third in the group and would be hoping to get something out of this match to keep their hopes alive in the group. They are coming into this game after being thrashed 4-1 by PAOK in the second game of the group. Chelsea in line with their tight schedule would be ringing the changes. In addition to Hazard who is being rested, Sarri has also confirmed that Jorginho and Amapdu would play no part in the game later today. It is expected that Loftus-cheek and Christensen would get some playing time under their belt in this anticipated game.
When it comes to history, this is new ground for Chelsea. This is the first side from Belarus they would be facing in their football history. It is quite a different story for BATE who have met and played against some English clubs. They have failed to win on three occasions after being comprehensively thrashed by Arsenal 10-2 on aggregate. It is important to note that all their meeting with English clubs all took place during the group stages of this competition.
Chelsea would be hoping that everything goes according to plan and that would see them cement their place as group leaders.
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