Sky Sports have Charlie Nicholas’ predictions for this week’s European ties, and he’s not too hopeful about Chelsea’s chances.
The former Arsenal striker has run the rule over all of the British teams’ European tests, and despite two wins last week for Chelsea, he reckons the Blues will only manage a draw away at Lille tomorrow night.
His logic is that Frank Lampard will be torn as to how much to rotate after a couple of good results. Does he chuck the kids who crushed Grimsby in midweek into the lineup? Or stick with the more experienced side who got an important home win in the Premier League at the weekend.
He reckons it’s a “very awkward tie” against a team who will provide “a test for Chelsea”. We’re inclined to agree. Lille are fourth and have as productive a youth academy as we do. Even with a strong team, there will be plenty of lads on their first or second CL start.
The 1-1 he predicts won’t help us much in the chase for qualification, but it could be a lot worse.
