Thank you for joining my coverage on VAVEL.com for the Group H game between Chelsea and Valencia, which ended in an away win for the Spanish side.
Table as it stands
Group H as it stands;
1. Ajax- 3 points- +3 GD
2. Valencia- 3 points- +1 GD
3. Chelsea- 0 points- -1 GD
4. Lille- 0 points- -3 GD
Next games for both teams
Both teams next play their next group games on the 2nd October.
Chelsea play Lille away from home at 8pm, whilst Valencia host Ajax at 8pm BST.
Shocking stats
1. Chelsea still haven't won a home game at Stamford Bridge under Frank Lampard.
Liverpool clear favourites to win on Sunday?
2. Chelsea still haven't kept a clean sheet under Frank Lampard.
Worrying stats for Chelsea!
FT 0-1 Valencia
FT- Valencia take all three points at the Bridge against a wasteful Chelsea side.
Rodrigo's finish from a well worked free kick proved to be the difference.
Chelsea have it all to do already...
(0-1) #CHEVCF
last Valencia sub
Diakhaby on for Cheryshev
(0-1) #CHEVCF
added time
90' 4 minutes added on!
Valencia sub
90' Lee on for Rodrigo
#CHEVCF (0-1)
PENALTY MISS- Barkley's effort smashes the bar and Chelsea fail to capitalise on an opportunity to get a point!
(0-1) #CHEVCF
VAR Check
85' VAR check for a potential penalty...
It's been given for a handball for Daniel Wass!
(0-1) #CHEVCF
80'' Barkley on for Kovacic
Giroud effort straight at Cillessen!
79' Chelsea have livened up since the goal, and Giroud smashes an effort straight at Cillessen.
Just over 10 minutes for Chelsea to find an equaliser!
(0-1) #CHEVCF
GOAL Valencia
75' A free kick ends up finding Rodrigo who smashes it in.
Poor defending from the Blues and the goal was coming in all fairness.
(0-1) #CHEVCF
2nd Chelsea sub
73' Olivier Giroud comes on for Kurt Zouma. Means Chelsea have gone for two strikers upfront, and looks like the Blues have reverted back to a back four for the last part of the game.
(0-0) #CHEVCF
Valencia sub
70' Kevin Gameiro comes off for Maxi Gomez.
(0-0) #CHEVCF
Alonso free kick saved by Cillessen
62' Willian brought down by Gaya outside the box.
Alonso took a low free kick and it is saved by Cillessen.
The corner came to nothing...
(0-0) #CHEVCF
Chelsea lost grip on game!
58' Chelsea haven't created much in this half.
Valencia look much sharper, and if it continues, then the Spanish side will be the favourites to pick up the win as it stands.
(0-0) #CHEVCF
Scrappy start to second half
51' Both teams having half chances at the start of the second half.
Abraham's header from a corner leads to pinball within the Valencia box, but they were able to clear it in the nick of time.
Down the other end, Cheryshev's long range effort fizzes wide of Kepa's goal.
(0-0) #CHEVCF
Second half started
46' Valencia get us back underway. (0-0) #CHEVCF
Half-Time
HT- Chelsea 0-0 Valencia
Been a frustrating half on the whole for the Blues. Firstly Mount's injury was a big blow for Chelsea.
The West Londoners did grow into the game and nearly could have went 1-0 up if Willian could have put one of his chances away.
Valencia showing some promise in moments of the game, but Chelsea finished the first half on top.
Still all to play for here!
(0-0) #CHEVCF
Willian nearly makes it 1-0 before the break
45+2' CHANCE- Willian's half volley inside the box is saved well by Cillessen right on the half-time whistle.
Chelsea finishing the first half the better side
45' Chelsea probe and probe but are still lacking the killer pass and the end product needed to go one-nil up here.
2 minutes of added time.
Willian again!
40' CHANCE- Willian brings down a long ball from Kovacic but his off-balance effort sails high and wide over the bar.
(0-0) #CHEVCF
Willian playing well but lacking end product
39' Willian goes on a good run, but his pass doesn't find Azpilicueta and goes out for a goal kick.
(0-0) #CHEVCF
Willian drags effort wide!
34' Willian dribbles through the Valencia midfield, and drags his shot wide of the goal.
(0-0) #CHEVCF
2nd yellow card of the game
32' Jorginho is the next player to be booked after a foul on Kondogbia.
(0-0) #CHEVCF
Tomori denies Gameiro chance
27' Rodrigo chips a fantastic ball over the top of the Chelsea backline, and Gameiro looks to be in, but Tomori races across and denies the striker a golden opportunity.
Valencia really growing into this game now!
(0-0) #CHEVCF
Abraham header wide!
25' CHANCE- Azpilicueta's ball finds the head of Abraham. But his glancing header falls wide of Cillessen's goal.
Unlucky there, but at least some creativity from the wide areas for Chelsea.
(0-0) #CHEVCF
Valencia chance but offside
19' Gaya was played in over the top of Chelsea's backline, but his header was saved comfortably by Kepa.
The offside flag did go up eventually.
Valencia starting to grow into this game. (0-0) #CHEVCF
Mount coming off
14' Mount can't continue and will be subbed off for Pedro.
Looking back at the tackle, and it should have been a red card!
VAR?
(0-0) #CHEVCF
Mount up but limping at the moment
10' Mount is up, but limping at this moment.
Pedro is warming up...
Lampard may be forced into an early change (0-0) #CHEVCF
Yellow car for Coquelin
8' The former Arsenal player is the first player to get booked after a dangerous challenge on Mason Mount
Mount is down injured...
(0-0) #CHEVCF
Abraham with the first chance!
5' CHANCE-Azpilicueta finds Abraham in the box and his close range effort is smothered behind for a corner.
From the corner, Alonso's header led to an easy save for Cillessen. (0-0) #CHEVCF
Kick Off
0' Chelsea get the game started. 0-0 #CHEVAL
Teams coming out
Chelsea and Valencia enter the Stamford Bridge pitch to the sound of the Liquidator.
Kick Off next... #CHEVCF
10 minute warning
Kick off in 10 minutes! #CHEVCF
Valencia subs
Jaume, Costa, Diakhaby, Lee, Guedes, Torres, Gomez.
Valencia starting XI
(4-4-2) Cillessen, Wass, G.Paulista, Garay, Gaya; Kondogbia, Coquelin, Parejo, Cheryshev; Rodrigo M, Gameiro.
Chelsea Subs
Caballero, Guehi, Barkley, Pulisic, Pedro, Giroud, Batshuayi.
Chelsea starting XI
(3-4-3) Kepa; Tomori, Christensen, Zouma; Alonso, Kovacic, Jorginho, Azpilicueta; Mount, Willian, Abraham.
Matchday!
Chelsea v Valencia tonight! 👊
COME ON YOU BLUES!#CHEVCF pic.twitter.com/zAJaleA0Z7 — Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) September 17, 2019
🌟 TODAY! 🌟
— Valencia CF English 🦇💯 (@valenciacf_en) September 17, 2019
⌚️9:00 pm 🇪🇸
⌚️8:00 pm 🏴 pic.twitter.com/UARiZYqcNo
What Channel in the UK can you watch this game on?
BT Sport 3 is the channel that will be showing the Champions League match between Chelsea and Valencia.
Celades on spirit in the Valencia changing room room
"The spirit is very good.
"Tomorrow is the start of the best club competition in Europe and that is ample motivation for the players to give their best.
"They want to play, taste the atmosphere. and be in the starting 11. No one wants to miss out and that, for me, is the most important thing."
Celades on Chelsea
There were rumours earlier today that Celades and the players weren't going to do pre match press conferences today to show their discontent at Valencia's political situation.
No players showed up for the press conference, but Celades did. This is what he had to say about Chelsea.
"They are a great side with some fantastic individual players.
"It will be a big challenge but a fascinating one too. We’re sure they can cause us a lot of problems.
"We’re going to prepare for the game in the best way possible and try to get a result."
Kepa on missing David Luiz
"Since last year we lost Hazard and Luiz,
"I don't think it is good to speak about players not here. We have total confidence in the squad.
"We have to improve but we have new players and a new coach"
Kepa on Valencia
"Valencia will always be a dangerous team. The circumstances with changing your coach are not the best going into this game.
"The circumstances could lead to them showing their rage inside."
Kepa on Chelsea's season so far
"This year we are playing with a more direct style.
"The games are more end to end and we are showing perhaps more energy in our play."
Lampard on Valencia turmoil
"I am aware of what's going on.
"At the same time, it doesn't affect our approach as we are going up against a team of fantastic quality.
"My experience of moments like this of a problem of a team against the world. It makes a group tighter"
Lampard on his Tammy Abraham exceeding expectations
"I never had clear expectations for him apart from the fact that I believed in him and trusted him.
"I know a lot was made of the ban giving opportunities for young players.
"But I thought now was his time."
Lampard on his Champions League debut as Chelsea manager
Lampard spoke to the press earlier today, and here are the key quotes from the press conference. First up- what his thoughts are on his UCL debut as Chelsea manager.
"I will be proud to do it.
"I had multiple incredible nights in the Champions League, and some bad ones, but it is the ultimate for me."
Valencia: Key player to watch (Maxi Gomez)
Valencia beat off competition from West Ham to secure the signature of Maxi Gomez for a fee of around 50 million Euros.
The Uruguayan international scored his first goal for the Els Taronges's in their last game against Barcelona.
Can he add to his goal tally for Valencia tomorrow night at Stamford Bridge?
Chelsea: Key player to watch (Tammy Abraham)
Tammy has scored 7 goals in his last 3 games including a hatrick at the weekend against Wolves.
So Valencia beware!
Will we see another of these GIFs from the Chelsea's twitter account tomorrow
AND IT'S TWO!
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) September 14, 2019
TAMMMMMMMMMY! 💥
🐺 0-2 🔵 [34'] #WOLCHE pic.twitter.com/K57fOcYsns
Valencia also excited to be back in the Champions League despite this uncertain time for the club
1. DAY. LEFT @ChampionsLeague 🌟 pic.twitter.com/YrZcktaAQd — Valencia CF English 🦇💯 (@valenciacf_en) September 16, 2019
On our way to London! 🏴 pic.twitter.com/g5To00cg9q
— Valencia CF English 🦇💯 (@valenciacf_en) September 16, 2019
Chelsea excited to be back in the Champions League
The @ChampionsLeague returns tomorrow! 🙌#MondayMotivation pic.twitter.com/i3JsCXRExN — Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) September 16, 2019
Valencia in our sights! 👀 pic.twitter.com/WVaorj8Vke
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) September 16, 2019
Reminder of the 3-0 crucial victory for Chelsea against Valencia in 2011/12 Champions League season
Here are the highlights from that crucial game that sent Chelsea through to the knockout stages, and contributed to Chelsea's Champions League success in 2011/12. 👇
Last Meetings
The last set of meetings between these two clubs came in the 2011/12 Champions League season in the group stages.
In Valencia, the two sides drew 1-1.
When it came to Stamford Bridge, it was a must win for the Blues to progress to the last 16 of the Champions League that year.
They came out 3-0 winners on the night, with goals from Didier Drogba x2 and Ramires securing Chelsea's passage to the knockout stages.
And they went on to win the Champions League that year!
Head to Head
Tuesday's meeting will be the 7th meeting between these two sides.
Chelsea have the better of the previous six meetings on the whole, winning 3 and drawing 3 matches.
Valencia have never beaten Chelsea before in any competitions! Could that change tomorrow night?
Valencia: predicted XI vs Chelsea
(4-4-2) Cillessen; Wass, Garay, Paulista, Gaya; Torres, Coquelin, Kondogbia, Parejo, Guedes; Rodrigo.
Chelsea: predicted XI vs Valencia
(3-4-3) Kepa; Zouma, Christensen, Tomori; Azpilicueta, Jorginho, Kovacic, Alonso; Mount, Pulisic; Abraham.
Valencia: team news
Valencia's boss and players have refused to turn up for press duties due to the ongoing political situation and instability at the club, after the unexpected sacking of Marcelino.
Therefore there's no indication of what their line up could look like tomorrow.
But here's the team news that I can gather.
Valencia's current boss Albert Celades may also decide against making major changes to his Valencia team, although the newly-appointed boss could move away from naming two forwards.
Geoffrey Kondogbia is in line to be handed a recall in midfield, with Kevin Gameiro likely to be the player to miss out.
Chelsea: team news
Frank Lampard confirmed in his press conference today that Antonio Rudiger isn't fit for this game after suffering a minor groin injury against Wolves on Saturday. He explained that he will have scans to determine the extent of that injury.
The Chelsea boss also confirmed that Emerson will not take part in this game as he is still recovering from an injury that he picked up on International duty with Italy.
Frank also confirmed that this game comes too soon for Ngolo Kante, despite him training today.
N'Golo Kante is training. 👀 pic.twitter.com/Y9Zaj9eWSh
— Nizaar Kinsella (@NizaarKinsella) September 16, 2019
The Chelsea boss also explained that we are likely to see Callum Hudson-Odoi and Reece James play more Under 23's matches before they appear in the first team again.
Bad defences could mean we are in for a goal fest!
With both teams being so leaky at the back early on this season, this means that we could see alot of goals in the game!.
Both teams struggling defensively
Both teams have conceded alot of goals at the start of their domestic leagues.
Valencia are earlier into their domestic season. playing only four games in La Liga. However in their first four games, they have already conceded 7 goals, meaning that they have a goal difference of -2.
Chelsea have played five games in their Premier League season, and have already conceded 11 goals. They have a goal difference of 0, as they are scoring lots of goals, but also conceding too many!
Chelsea favourites due to Valencia's instability at this current moment
One of the main reasons that Chelsea are favourites to win tomorrow is due to the fact that Valencia are going through a hard time at the moment.
They are managerless after the sacking of Marcelino after an average start to this season.
Check out the article I did on this news and what I think it means for the game. 👇
Chelsea have been made favourites by bookmakers to pick up three points in tomorrow's match
Most betting companies have made Chelsea clear favourites to pick up the win in tomorrow's opening Champions League group game.
Paddy Power have priced a Chelsea win at 4/5. A draw between these two sides is being priced at 13/5. And a Valencia win is being priced at 7/2.
Chelsea and Ajax favourites to qualify from Group H.
Sky Bet expect Chelsea and Ajax to progress from Group H.
They have priced Chelsea and Ajax progressing through Group H at 2/1.
But Sky Bet have made the last years semi finalists Ajax favourites to top the Group at 11/4.
This group is seen on the whole as a group where any of the teams could get through... There aren't any teams who are clear favourites...
Group H
Group H consists of Chelsea, Valencia, Ajax, and Lille.
Tomorrow- Chelsea face Valencia at Stamford Bridge.
At the same time- Ajax play Lille in the other opening game of Group H at the Johan Cruijff Arena.
Both teams involved in 5-2 games in their last matches, but both had different fortunes!
Chelsea last game was in the Premier League at the weekend, when they thrashed Wolves 5-2 at Molineux.
Whilst Valencia suffered a 5-2 drubbing at the hands of Barcelona in La Liga.
Kick -off time
The Chelsea vs Valencia match will be played at Stamford Bridge, in Chelsea, London, United Kingdom.
Kick-off is scheduled at 8:00pm BST.
Welcome to LIVE Coverage
Welcome to VAVEL.com's LIVE coverage of the 2019 UEFA Champions League match between Frank Lampard's Chelsea and Valencia in Group H.
My name is Danyal Khan and I'll be your host for the game. We will provide you pre-game analysis, squad updates, and news as it happens live here on VAVEL.