Chelsea returns to play at Stamford Bridge for the first time since early March, though it won’t feel like Stamford Bridge, as most places don’t feel like they normally do these days. With no fans, the concept of “local field” or “local field advantage” is on the way, but that was one of the accepted commitments on the way to achieving the restart of the project, so this is what we should love , for now.
It remains to be seen whether that will help or hinder. Without the immediate belief of over 40,000 motivations it can be more difficult to find. On the other hand, the pressure is also much less, both on the local side to act and on the visitors to fail. The thrill of the occasion can be a great equalizer in sports.
Can Chelsea be with Manchester City in a pure battle of skill, tactics, self-confidence, and fitness? We almost did it in late November, but it almost only has horseshoes and hand grenades.
Date and Time: Thursday June 25, 2020, 8:15 p.m. BST; 3:15 pm EDT; 12:45 am IST (next day)
Venue of events: Stamford Bridge, SW6
Referees: Stuart Attwell (in the field); Craig Pawson (VAR)
Forecast: Searing summer day followed by warm summer night
On TV: BT Sport 1 (UK); NBCSN, Universe (USA); Star Sports Select HD1 (India); SuperSport 3 (NGA); elsewhere
Transmission: BT Sport Live (UK); NBC Sports Live, Universe Now (USA); Hotstar (India); DStv Now (NGA)
Chelsea team news: The first week of the Premier League restart has already seen plenty of injuries, but so far Chelsea has been one of the lucky ones. That said, Fikayo Tomori and Callum Hudson-Odoi remain out with minor punches picked up in the previous workout. Jorginho finally returns from the longest two-game suspension in Premier League history.
With the chase pack playing an extra game as well as Leicester City four points ahead of us, Chelsea can be sure of staying in fourth place with at least a two-point mattress ahead of Manchester United and the Wolves, regardless of what happens. in this game. Winning would certainly be an advantage, although some might say that the FA Cup quarterfinals on Sunday are the most important game in the immediate future, and the same is true for Manchester City.
Incidentally, if Chelsea wins (or even ties), Liverpool will be officially confirmed as the Champions of England for the first time in 30 years. While his title has been inevitable for some time, Chelsea have a history of winning titles not only for ourselves but for other teams as well, right, Leicester City?
Manchester City: If City wants to remain mathematically eligible to defend its Premier League title, they will have to do so without Sergio Agüero, who injured his knee on Monday and could very well be ready for the season. Having rested Kevin de Bruyne and Raheem Sterling in the same game, City will be as dangerous as ever.
City has been in great shape on the restart, winning two games by a combined score of 8-0. With an impending European ban, they have nothing but pride in what to play, which can certainly upset you.
View from the enemy: Bitter and blue
Previously: N’Golo Kanté scored when Chelsea played very well to take the lead, but City was fortunate to do so again before its overall quality shone in the 2-1 victory.
