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#3 Saul, Jorginho and Havertz will get a chance to redeem themselves
UEFA Champions League holders Chelsea have an abundance of quality at their disposal. They have an exuberant attack, a poised midfield and a settled backline - forming one of the most impressive teams in Europe. Yet, over the last few weeks, they have looked a little disjointed and out of shape.
Three players in particular have been performing well below their sky-high standards. Saul Niguez, Jorginho and Kai Havertz have all been reduced to off-the-bench appearances, which is not a reflection of the quality they possess.
Saul is yet to prove his mettle at Chelsea and could come in for N’Golo Kante on Wednesday. Jorginho has also struggled to impose his expertise in the middle of the park and needs to gain his confidence back. And finally, last year’s UEFA Champions League final hero, Kai Havertz, also deserves another chance to get back in Tuchel’s good books.
All three could play in some capacity in the UEFA Champions League tie against Malmo and we are excited to see how they respond.
#2 Romelu Lukaku to get out of his mini slump against Malmo
Chelsea paid a club-record fee of £97.5 million to bring their former sharpshooter Romelu Lukaku back to Stamford Bridge in the summer transfer window. The Belgian scored three goals in his first three Premier League matches and was Chelsea’s only goalscorer in the UEFA Champions League win over Zenit.
Unfortunately, his magic in front of goal has vanished since UEFA Champions League matchday one, with the forward drawing blanks in the next six matches in all competitions.
Surprisingly, Lukaku was on the scoresheet for Belgium in the UEFA Nations League semi-final against France, which should induce some confidence in Chelsea fans.
Malmo’s lackluster form should have Lukaku licking his lips and we fully expect him to capitalize on the opportunity this Wednesday.
#1 Chelsea to put at least three goals past Malmo
Chelsea’s defeat to Juventus was unfortunate, as the Blues were completely undone by their suicidal, conservative tactics. Against Malmo, Thomas Tuchel’s side will be desperate to make a statement and score as many goals as they possibly can.
The inclusion of Kai Havertz and Mason Mount should help Romelu Lukaku fire more frequently, and we fear the result could be devastating. Malmo could make things interesting in the first half but they are unlikely to hold the fort for long. We expect Chelsea to score at least thrice and put a spring in their fans’ step on Wednesday night.
