Chelsea must be clinical to see off Lille
While Chelsea were not bad against Valencia, but where they really struggled was in the final third.
With the Spanish side digging in, the Blues were unable to penetrate and turn the screw on their opponents.
It cost them in the end, and when it comes to the Champions League you cannot have that happen, otherwise top teams will take advantage.
The Blues have not been shy in creating chances this season, and are currently the second highest shot takers in the Premier League.
That hasn’t necessarily turned into goals, however, and while the Blues have a young side, they often need to be more clinical.
Not being clinical against a side like Brighton, no disrespect to the Seagulls, may not cost you in the end.
In the Champions League, that couldn’t be more different.
Time for Tammy to shine
With Gareth Southgate set to announce his next England squad tomorrow afternoon, now is the perfect time for Tammy Abraham to send a timely reminder of what he can do.
The striker had a superb start to the campaign when he netted seven goals in just three games.
However, he hasn’t found the back of the net since his hat-trick against Wolverhampton Wanderers, with some of the bigger teams having been in his way.
To score in the Champions League would be a huge boost to his confidence and proof that he is ready to mix it with the big boys.
Abraham’s England future is not secure. Having only featured for England in a friendly, Abraham, who turned 22 today, could still pick Nigeria as his country to represent.
He is likely to get the call from Southgate, and a goal or two against Lille would all but secure it.
Set-pieces
What cost Chelsea against Valencia was the lack of concentration when it came to defending a set piece.
The Blues were completely caught out, and all the hard work through the game meant for nothing with the Spaniards going away with three points.
It has been the real sticking point for the Blues this season, as they have struggled to deal with both corners and free-kicks.
Even in the win at the weekend over Brighton, their first clean sheet and home Premier League victory of the season, they almost conceded from a corner.
Lampard has been using a zonal marking system, which at times has left opponents free and to make a run in the box.
The Blues can’t afford for that to happen again, with Lampard’s side needing something out of the game if they want a realistic chance of qualifying to the knockout stages.
Lampard keeping his cool
Every game comes as a big test for Lampard, and this time the pressure will no doubt be on more than ever before.
Defeat in France would be a massive blow to Chelsea’s chances of qualifying for the last 16, especially as they face Ajax twice in a row next.
The Blues didn’t get off to the best start, but Lampard went for the win, playing two up top in the second half, moving Pedro to right wing-back and changing the look of his side.
However, if the Blues are chasing the game, then Lampard is going to need to make sure that he keeps his cool like the players.
The right substitutions could play a massive role in the way that the game plays out, and the Blues are likely to have some big weapons to use on the bench.
The right timings, formation and change of style throughout the 90 minutes is going to be key.
Keep building the momentum
After an inconsistent start, Chelsea now have the opportunity to really build some momentum.
The hammering of Grimsby Town was certainly expected, while the victory over Brighton was a much-needed moment.
Even though the game is at the Stade Pierre Mauroy, Chelsea are still the favourites to go away with three points and get their first win in the competition.
The pressure is certainly going to be more on the Blues, but if they can see that off then it becomes a huge moment in their season.
A victory tonight would allay many fears over their place in the competition and being able to handle the top tier of European football again.
It’s time for Chelsea to properly kick-start their season and a win in Lille would do that.
