Potter pleased to win first league game as Chelsea head coach
Chelsea host AC Milan at Stamford Bridge this evening as they attempt to get their Champions League campaign back on track following a terrible start to the competition. The Blues have taken just one point from their opening two fixtures – in a 1-1 draw with RB Salzburg - and sit bottom of Group E. They are three points behind Milan but can reign in the Italian side with a victory tonight.
However, Milan have only been beaten once so far this season and can solidify their place at the top of the group if they were to defeat the Blues in their own back yard. This clash will prove to be a stern test for manager Graham Potter, but he’ll be feeling confident after Chelsea came from behind to beat Crystal Palace 2-1 at the weekend.
In Chelsea’s favour are the injury woes that afflict Stefano Pioli’s team. The manager faces significant fitness issues within his squad with defenders Davide Calabria and Simon Kjaer joining an injury list that also features the likes of Divock Origi and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and Pioli conceded that his side might be up against it tonight.
Follow all the action from Stamford Bridge as Chelsea take on AC Milan:
10’ - Chelsea 0-0 AC Milan
Krunic goes into the book early on for a lunging tackle on Loftus-Cheek. Not a good one either, miles away from the ball.
Leao gets into the Chelsea box and goes to ground but the ref says there’s no contact from Fofana, who makes a block and clears the danger.
6’ - Chelsea 0-0 AC Milan
Mount curls a low strike toward the far post from range and Tatarusanu has to go full stretch to his left to tip it around the post.
In the earlier game, Salzburg beat Dinamo 1-0 so Chelsea are fourth on one point, behind Dinamo (3), Milan (4) and Salzburg (5).
2' - Chelsea 0-0 AC Milan
Early possession for Milan, all in white tonight. Sterling has started right side for Chelsea. De Ketelaere is clattered by Koulibaly, his second foul already tonight.
Theo Hernandez is another absentee tonight for the Italians - the left-back is a huge outlet for them most weeks, so that’s a big miss.
KO - Chelsea 0-0 AC Milan
A moment’s silence ahead of kick-off for the victims of the stadium disaster in Indonesia - well observed inside Stamford Bridge. Then we are ready for kick-off.
Chelsea vs AC Milan latest news
Closing in on kick-off in what will be Graham Potter’s third match in charge. A draw in Europe and a late win domestically is his Chelsea record so far.
As for Milan, Stefano Pioli seemed on the verge of a departure not all that long ago...but a certain Ralf Rangnick failed to agree a deal to take over, Paolo Maldini stayed, so did Pioli and they ended up winning Serie A last season.
Can they get back to their former levels of greatness, though?
Chelsea vs AC Milan latest news
Lots of discussion over Graham Potter’s shifting formations, but he was well known for it at Brighton. Versatile performers throughout all three lines enable easy switches between a back three or four, a narrow or wide attack, wingers and wing-backs. Chelsea have plenty of those same types of players themselves such as Loftus-Cheek, James and Sterling, who all start tonight.
Milan have fewer options available tonight due to injuries but it’s still a fierce attack they possess, with Rafael Leao a man in form and Olivier Giroud having displayed his talents over the long term.
(Getty Images)
Chelsea vs AC Milan latest news
We are just under half an hour from kick-off.
In the earlier games, Leipzig are currently beating Celtic 3-1 - follow the end of that game here - and in Chelsea’s group, Salzburg are beating Dinamo Zagreb 1-0.
About five minutes or so left in both.
Champions League latest news
Before we get underway at Stamford Bridge it’s worth a look at last night’s efforts in Europe from the Premier League pair.
Liverpool saw off Rangers 2-0 thanks to Alexander-Arnold and Mohamed Salah, while Tottenham were held to a goalless draw by Eintracht Frankfurt.
Will Chelsea eclipse either result tonight?
Graham Potter timeline at Chelsea so far
It has been an unusual time in English football of late, plus an international break interrupted domestic proceedings. Here’s what has gone on since Tuchel was given his marching orders:
9 September - Potter appointed head coach on a five-year deal
10 September - Would-be dugout debut vs Fulham called off after the death of Queen Elizabeth II
14 September - New boss’ first game ends in a 1-1 draw at home to Salzburg
18 September - Chelsea vs Liverpool also postponed
20 September - Push to appoint Christophe Freund as sporting director ends in failure
21 September - Club sack commercial director for “inappropriate messages” sent to agent
1 October - Conor Gallagher seals a late 2-1 win over Crystal Palace in Potter’s first Premier League game in charge