It hasn’t been season for Chelsea, however they may nonetheless change that in the event that they end it with a flourish.
A top-four spot appears out of attain for Graham Potter and co, however they may nonetheless qualify for subsequent season’s Champions League by successful it this yr.
With a tricky draw making {that a} tall order although, they will be giving their all within the Premier League too to attempt to guarantee they not less than safe a Europa League spot.
Each Chelsea and Aston Villa appointed new managers early on this season, however the change solely had the specified impact for considered one of them with Unai Emery doing properly however Graham Potter struggling.
On account of these differing fortunes, the 2 golf equipment are a lot nearer collectively within the desk than Blues followers would love, however the hosts can change that by selecting up their fifth consecutive win over their opponents.
Chelsea aren’t the one Premier League large that might be glad to see the again of this season with Liverpool enduring a disappointing marketing campaign too.
The final recreation between the 2, a 0-0 attract January, was a grim affair, and each Potter and Jurgen Klopp might be aiming to point out that they’ve made progress with their respective sides since then.
Potter’s second Premier League match as Chelsea supervisor was in opposition to Wolves and it went properly, along with his facet successful claiming a 3-0 victory at Stamford Bridge.
The midlands facet had been and not using a supervisor for that recreation although and are in higher form now with Julen Lopetegui main them to some spectacular wins since taking up, together with victories in opposition to Liverpool and Tottenham.
The final spherical of the Champions League gave Potter his best second but as Chelsea supervisor, and the following one will give him his hardest activity.
His facet confirmed of their win in opposition to Borussia Dortmund that they’ll go toe to toe with a few of Europe’s greatest on their day, however doing so in opposition to reigning champions Actual Madrid might be one other kettle of fish totally.
They are saying each break-up has a winner, and Brighton have definitely had a happier time of issues than Potter for the reason that supervisor left the membership for Chelsea in September.
Below Roberto De Zerbi, they’ve overwhelmed their former boss and, not like his new facet, have put themselves properly into the combination for Champions League qualification.
They have not misplaced to Chelsea in nearly two years now and will not be heading into this match as huge underdogs.
Chelsea and Actual Madrid are acquainted foes having met within the Champions League knockout levels within the earlier two campaigns earlier than being drawn collectively this season too.
Each ties had been shut ones with neither facet in a position to win each legs on both event; Chelsea in the end prevailed in 2021 whereas Actual Madrid progressed final yr.
