Chelsea could profit from Bundesliga-like impact of empty stands
One of the most striking aspects of the Bundesliga’s return in recent weeks has been the apparent lack of home advantage.
Since the German top flight resumed in mid-May, only 20% of home teams have won, compared to 51% of triumphs for away sides.
As Alan Smith writes, that disparity was not nearly as great prior to lockdown, with 45% home wins compared to 35% away.
Should a similar pattern emerge in the Premier League, Chelsea could stand to gain given the Blues’ patchy home form.
This season, Frank Lampard’s side have taken just 24 points from 15 games at Stamford Bridge compared to 24 from 14 on the road.
Manchester United, Chelsea’s closest rivals for fourth spot, have been much stronger at home, with 29 points from a possible 45 compared to just 16 away from Old Trafford.
Whether England’s empty stands have a similar impact on the Premier League, however, remains to be seen.
New deal for Van Ginkel
Chelsea midfielder Marco van Ginkel has confirmed he is in talks with the club over a new contract - despite not having played for the Blues in two years.
Van Ginkel has not featured since undergoing reconstructive surgery on his anterior cruciate ligament in the summer of 2018.
The Dutchman, who has made four appearances in seven years at Chelsea, spent three years on loan at PSV Eindhoven prior to his injury.
“My agent Karel Jansen is discussing a new contract with the club. I am very happy with that sign of trust from Chelsea,” he told Eindhovens Dagblad.
“It is not without reason that a club tries to keep you in such an uncertain time after such a long injury period.”
Juve ready to offer two players for Jorginho and Alonso
Juventus are ready to offer Chelsea Federico Bernardeschi and Adrien Rabiot in exchange for Jorginho and Marcos Alonso, according to Calciomercato.
Juve boss Maurizio Sarri is eager to raid his former club with the 63-year-old hoping to once again work with Jorginho, who played under the Italian at both Napoli and Chelsea.
Chelsea reportedly value Jorginho and Alonso at a combined £71.8million, and with Bernardeschi and Rabiot at £53.9million, Juve will offer the Blues an additional £18million to tempt them into a deal.
Alonso was also a regular under Sarri at Stamford Bridge but has seen his game time limited under Lampard, with nine Premier League starts this term.
