UEFA Champions League Preview (Matchday 2): Group H
Tammy Abraham of Chelsea celebrates after scoring his team's fourth goal during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Chelsea FC at Molineux on September 14, 2019 in Wolverhampton, United Kingdom.
(Sept. 13, 2019 - Source: Getty Images Europe)
Group H
Valencia vs Ajax- Wednesday, 02 October 2019
These two might be fancying themselves for the group winners spot after excellent displays on matchday 1. Valencia edged Chelsea 1-0 at Stamford Bridge while last season’s semi-finalists dispatched Lille by 3-0. Ajax in particular weren’t really at their best despite what the score line suggests. The Eredivisie champions enjoyed themselves a little too much, showboating excessively with manager Erik Ten Hag and talisman, Hakim Ziyech calling themselves out on the relaxed performance. Ajax will definitely not afford to have any more such luxuries when they travel to the Mestalla. Despite their unsteadying backroom changes, Valencia have done relatively well. Just this past weekend, they recorded a rare and famous 1-0 win at Athletic Bilbao. A fortress in Spanish football.
It’s a close one, the winner here will be one of the favorites to progress to the knock-out stages.
LOSC Lille vs Chelsea- Wednesday, 02 October 2019
Lille choked on opening night at Ajax, which was understandable, considering their long-time absence from Europe’s biggest club football tournament. The French club can definitely not be any worse than they were against Ajax and Chelsea should expect a tough match against last season’s Ligue 1 runners-up. Nigerian international Victor Osimhen is one of the players who has to level up his weekend’s performance if Lille are to get a result against a Chelsea side who have seemingly found their identity under new boss Frank Lampard.
Group H seems to be one of the most unpredictable groups this season. Let’s get popcorn and soda as it unfolds.