Champions League: troubled Chelsea head to Lille boosted by two-goal advantage

Chelsea have the advantage

Lille and Chelsea meet on Wednesday night at Stade Pierre-Mauroy with the English side enjoying a two-goal cushion following the first leg of their Champions League last-16 clash, when goals by Kai Havertz and Christian Pulisic secured a 2-0 win for the Blues at Stamford Bridge.

However, Chelsea’s off-field fortunes have transformed since then with sanctions imposed on owner Roman Abramovich by the British government. Uncertainty surrounds the club at the moment but on the pitch, they have been in fine form with one foot in the Champions League quarter-finals, and third place in the Premier League pretty much consolidated.

Chelsea are at 1.93 to win on the night with a draw at 3.5 and Lille at 4.3.

Team spirit amid uncertainty

Thomas Tuchel insists the players and staff will stick together despite even the team’s travel plans being affected. Havertz struck the only goal against Newcastle on Sunday although the Blues rode their luck with the Magpies denied what appeared a clear penalty.

The German praised his side’s “mentality, resilience and physicality” with the “focus on what we can control.”

Marcos Alonso and Cesar Azpilicueta will be available to start against the French champions although Reece James and Callum Hudson-Odoi are less likely to feature.

Since beating Lille, Chelsea have lost out to Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final on penalties, progressed to the quarter-final of the FA Cup and claimed three straight league wins. Chelsea’s shootout loss to Liverpool was the only match in which they failed to score in that time.

Havertz has scored four in three straight league games with five in as many games in all competitions and is at 2.62 to score anytime with Mason Mount at 3.3.

Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel's team have been in sound form since beating Lille in the first leg last month

David one to watch for Lille

Lille have not conceded in three games since they lost to Chelsea, taking seven points in the process. They really need to keep Chelsea out in the early stages while taking advantage of any opportunities that come their way if they are to stand any chance of qualifying. A Lille clean sheet is at 4.3 while they are at 6.4 to win to nil.

They currently stand sixth in Ligue 1, separated from second by seven points, although their home form where they have drawn as many as they have won – six – has undermined their progress.

Lille are indebted to Jonathan David who has scored 13 of their 37 goals in the domestic league. The Canadian has also been on the scoresheet three times in the Champions League and is at 3.45 to score anytime. 

Chelsea have one foot in the quarter-final and it is hard to see Lille overturn a two-goal deficit while keeping a clean sheet. Chelsea to win and both teams to score is at 4.1.

Recommended bets

David anytime @ 3.45

Chelsea/BTTS @ 4.1

Havertz anytime @ 2.62