Big Match Breakdown: Chelsea v Atletico Madrid
Published:
Huge clash in-store in West London
Chelsea host Atletico Madrid in the final Champions League group game at Stamford Bridge this evening.
Antonio Conte’s side will be satisfied in the knowledge that they have already qualified for the knockout stages.
On the other hand, Atletico need to win to have any chance of qualification. And then they must wait on the result from Roma v Qarabag FK.
The Coral News Team bring you the big match breakdown ahead of tonight’s tie in West London.
Head-to-head
The first game ended in a dramatic late win for the Blues with Michy Batshuayi nicking a winner in the dying seconds of the game.
These two clubs have met on six different occasions across two competitions. Both teams have two wins apiece, with two draws also included.
Atletico don’t have a fantastic record in England, however. Los Rojiblancos can only count a solitary victory over Leicester City in last season’s UCL.
The Likely XIs
Diego Simeone will line-up with his usual 4-4-2 with Gabi holding the central defensive area and Saul Niguez playing slightly further forward.
Kevin Gameiro and Antoine Griezmann should start up top. Juanfran is a big doubt so Thomas Partey may have to fill in at right-back.
Chelsea will be without David Luiz so Thomas Christiansen should fill-in in a back three. Conte has no other concerns.
Key Battles
Atletico have returned to form just at the right time to give themselves a chance of a knockout spot.
That has also coincided with star forward Griezmann rediscovering his touch in front of goal.
Chelsea will need to keep an eye on the France international who has scored four in his last three games. N’Golo Kante will be tasked with shackling his compatriot.
For the Blues, Eden Hazard has been in tremendous form with five strikes in his last five.
Gabi will be charged with protecting the space Hazard generally occupies roving behind Morata.
Match Odds
Chelsea start the game as 23/20 favourites, with Atletico at 13/5 and the Draw at 12/5.
Considering the La Liga giant’s greater need for the win, the 13/5 seems rather generous.
However, goals seem a far better play here. Both Teams To Score is 4/5 and that should be a big consideration, as should the Evens on Over 2.5 Goals.
As for goalscorers, Eden Hazard is 9/2 to score First, and 7/4 to score Anytime. For Atletico, Griezmann is 11/2 to be First Goalscorer, and 19/10 to manage an Anytime strike.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing
