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Preview: Chelsea vs AC Milan - Graham Potters needs Group E win to keep Champions League hopes alive

Preview: Chelsea vs AC Milan - Graham Potters needs Group E win to keep Champions League hopes alive

Chelsea host AC Milan in the Champions League on Wednesday night at Stamford Bridge as Group E continues to take shape.

Chelsea host AC Milan in the Champions League on Wednesday night at Stamford Bridge as Group E continues to take shape.

Graham Potter’s side have taken just one point from a possible six in their opening two matches of the Champions League group stages.

It leaves Chelsea needing a big result against the Rossoneri on Wednesday to give themselves a good chance of progressing into the knockout stages next year.

Chelsea players training at their Cobham training base for their Champions League game at Stamford Bridge on the 5th October against AC Milan. (Alamy)
Chelsea players training at their Cobham training base for their Champions League game at Stamford Bridge on the 5th October against AC Milan. (Alamy)

Potter, 47, knows the task at hand in midweek after Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang admitted it was a must-win game. 

“I think this is really important – if we want to qualify we have to win the game,” said the striker. "These two games are key and we will have to show character like we did against Crystal Palace on Saturday and win those two games."

Ahead of the game, the Chelsea head coach was quizzed on if it was a must-win and he said they will do everything they can to see of AC Milan.

Potter said: “That’s what we’ll try for (the win) and I think everyone will say the same thing. It’s important to win our home game and win if we can. But we are playing against a top opponent and we have to play well and create a good atmosphere to get our supporters behind us. That is our job and, as I said, we’re looking forward to it.”

READ MORE: What Graham Potter said ahead of Chelsea’s Champions League clash vs AC Milan

Chelsea will welcome back Edouard Mendy into the squad, but Kepa Arrizabalaga is likely to get the nod once again in goal.

Marc Cucurella is set to return, while N'Golo Kante is quite ready to be available selection following a hamstring problem.

Jorginho and Kai Havertz picked up knocks and will be assessed ahead of the game over their availability.

Potter added: “Eddie has trained with the team for the last few days so is making progress. So he will be in the squad which is great news for us because it’s important to have as much competition for places as we can. So it’s great to have him back.

Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy during a training session at The Cobham Training Centre. (Alamy)
Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy during a training session at The Cobham Training Centre. (Alamy)

"Jorgi felt a little discomfort in his abdominal area against Crystal Palace but has trained today (Tuesday), so we’ll see how he reacts to that and we’ll take a decision later today. Kai (Havertz) had a little feeling as well but he trained today. Apart from that, we’re all ok. NG is training more and more. Not fully but getting closer. That is really positive. That’s about it I think.”

When is the match?

It will take place on Wednesday 5th October at 8pm (UK) time.

Where is the match?

The Champions League match will be held at Stamford Bridge, London.

How can I watch the match?

The fixture will be available to watch live on BT Sport in the United Kingdom. 

For those in the United States, the game can be watched on Paramount+.

Featured Image Credit: Alamy

Topics: Chelsea, AC Milan, Champions League, Football

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