Krasnodar will host their first-ever Champions League against Chelsea on matchday 2 of the Champions League
Stadium: Krasnodar Stadium
Key Statistics
- This will be the first-ever competition between both the sides, with Krasnodar hosting their first-ever game in the Champions League.
- Chelsea have been successful against the Russian opponents, winning all of their last four encounters in UCL.
- The Blues have lost one of their last 11 away games in the Champions League and that too came against Bayern Munich last season.
Krasnodar
Krasnodar kickstarted their Champions League season with a draw against Rennes in the Group E. However, their form has been downhill this season, losing four games in the Russian Premier League including their recent defeat against Spartak Moscow. Krasnodar, who entered the competition through playoffs, has a mammoth task to stop a heavyweight like Chelsea.
Possible line-up
Matvei Safonov; Cristian Ramirez, Kaio Pantaleao, A. Martynovich, Igor Smolnikov; Tonny Vilhena, Yury Gazinsky, Danill Utkin; Remy Cabella, Marcus Berg, Ari
Unavailable Players
Viktor Claesson, Wandersson
Chelsea
Chelsea are coming on the back of back to back draws against Sevilla and Manchester United and hence will look to open their account against Krasnodar. Hakim Ziyech is in the line to make his full debut as the Moroccan attacker seems to have returned to his best shape. Timo Werner and Edouard Mendy are the other players to watch out for, with the latter one looking more than ready to be the primary goalkeeper for the remainder of the season.
Possible line-up:
Edouard Mendy; Reece James, Thiago Silva, Kurt Zouma, Ben Chilwell; Jorginho, N’Golo Kante; Hakim Ziyech, Kai Havertz, Mason Mount; Timo Werner
Unavailable Players
Kepa Arrizabalaga, Billy Gilmour, Marcos Alonso
