Bottom-placed Chelsea take on table-toppers AC Milan in Group E of the UEFA Champions League 2022-23 at Stamford Bridge, London. The match is scheduled to commence at 12:15 AM IST on October 6.

AC Milan have made a decent start to their UEFA Champions League 2022-23 campaign with a win and a draw apiece from two matches so far. They drew their fixture against Salzburg before defeating Dinamo Zagreb 3-1 on matchday two.

Meanwhile, Chelsea are languishing at the bottom of the pile after one draw and one loss from their two encounters. They suffered a shock defeat against Dinamo Zagreb, followed by an underwhelming performance in a 1-1 draw versus Salzburg.

CHE vs MIL Dream11 prediction

Even though Chelsea have been far from their best in this season so far, they have shown signs of improvement under new boss Graham Potter.

Meanwhile, AC Milan will travel with a depleted squad as several first-team players have been missing through injuries, giving head coach Stafano Pioli a selection headache.

The two sides have met only twice in UEFA Champions League. In the 1999/00 season, the two teams were drawn in the same group stage. Both the games ended in a stalemate.

However, they have met eight times since then in non-competitive matches, with the Blues leading 5-3 in head-to-head matchups. Hence, the English outfit can be expected to notch their first win of the campaign in the UEFA Champions League 2022-23.

CHE vs MIL Dream11 team tips for UEFA Champions League 2022-23

Top tip: Best forward

AC Milan striker Rafael Leao will be the best pick from the available forwards. The 23-year-old has scored four goals along with as many assists in seven starts in Serie A. He has two assists so far this UCL campaign. Hence, his form makes him the overwhelming choice among fantasy managers.

Top tip: Best midfielder

Chelsea youngster Mason Mount is a top choice among midfielders. Although the Englishman hasn’t contributed significantly in terms of goals or assists, he has amassed 32 points each in the two games and would be raring to find the back of the net in this clash, making him the player with most ownership in fantasy teams (over 90%).

Top tip: Best defender and goalkeeper

The Blues�?full-back Reece James will be our recommendation from the defenders�?roster. The Chelsea academy product has been an important player on the right flank of the pitch and has the ability and the vision to put in dangerous crosses that will test the opposition defence. The 8.5-credit man has one goal and an assist so far in the Premier League. 

With AC Milan’s first-choice keeper out injured and very little known about the backup Ciprian Tatarusanu, Chelsea’s Kepa Arrizabalaga gets the nod in the fantasy teams. He has done well to pip Edouard Mendy as the Blue’s preferred goalie. The Spanish international has started all three contests under the new manager and will look to continue his decent comeback between the sticks. 

CHE vs MIL probable playing XI

Chelsea (4-4-2): Kepa Arrizabalaga; Reece James, Wesley Fofana, Thiago Silva, Ben Chilwell; Mason Mount, Mateo Kovacic, Ruben Loftus-Cheek; Kai Havertz; Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Raheem Sterling

AC Milan (4-2-3-1): Ciprian Tatarusanu; Sergino Dest, Pierre Kalulu, Fikayo Tomori, Fode Ballo-Toure; Sandro Tonali, Ismael Bennacer; Rade Krunic, Charles De Ketelaere, Rafael Leao; Olivier Giroud

 

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Featured Photo: GLYN KIRK / AFP

The third week of the Premier League was another action-packed, high octane rollercoaster ride for teams, managers and fans alike. Jamie Vardy was one of the biggest scorers last week courtesy his hat-trick against Manchester City as Leicester City beat Pep Guardiola’s men 5-2.

The upcoming week of action promises to be another exciting one and here are a few players who could help your fantasy team shine.

Player: Timothy Castagne

Team: Leicester City

Match: Leicester City vs West Ham United

Belgian full-back Timothy Castagne has hit the ground running in the Premier League after joining Leicester from Atalanta in the summer. The versatile full-back is currently one of Leicester’s most threatening attacking outlets and has been heavily involved in their goals this season.

After scoring on his debut for the Foxes, Castagne provided two assists in the team’s next league match against Burnley and another against Manchester City last week. His attacking contributions aside, Castagne is a part of a stable backline that will get you plenty of clean sheets.  

Player: James Rodriguez

Team: Everton

Match: Everton vs Brighton & Hove Albion

James Rodriguez has quickly become Everton’s talisman after joining the club in the summer. Elegant and graceful with the ball at his feet, Rodriguez never seems to be in a rush and always looks like he has more time than the opposition while in possession.

A creator of chances, most of the Toffees�?attacks have been going through the Colombian since his arrival. He’s already scored his first goal and provided his first assist for the club. One of the main reasons why Everton have won their opening three league games this season, Rodriguez’s form will be crucial if Everton are harbouring European ambitions for next season.  

Player: Mason Mount

Team: Chelsea

Match: Chelsea vs Crystal Palace

For all of Chelsea’s summer signings, it was their academy stars that bailed them out from suffering an embarrassing defeat against West Bromwich Albion last week. Trailing 3-0 at half-time, it was Mason Mount’s goal that turned the tide of the contest and helped the Blues salvage a point.

He also provided an assist against West Brom and is well trusted by manager Frank Lampard. With him likely to enjoy a lot of game time in the coming months, Mount can be expected to get his fair share of goals and assists since it’s not easy to keep him out of the action on the pitch.  

Player: Danny Ings

Team: Southampton

Match: Southampton vs West Bromwich Albion

After finishing last season with 22 league goals �?on par with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and one behind Jamie Vardy �?Danny Ings hasn’t wasted much time in finding the back of the net for Southampton in the ongoing campaign.

Ings has netted thrice in his last two league games and seems to have picked up where he left off last season. Aided by Southampton’s expansive brand of football, there’s no reason why the 28-year-old can’t enjoy another prolific campaign in England’s top-flight.

Player: Harry Kane

Team: Tottenham Hotspur

Match: Manchester United vs Tottenham Hotspur

Harry Kane may not be scoring goals by the dozen at the start of the 2020-21 Premier League season but surely, it’s just a matter of time before that happens. He’s scored just once in the league so far but looks poised to improve on that aspect of his game with more match sharpness.

That aside, goals aren’t the only way he’s been contributing to the team. Kane, in fact, is the leading assist-provider in the league at the moment, having set up five goals this season. He’s been involved in all of Spurs�?league goals so far and that’s unlikely to change as the season progresses.

If you wish to raise the stakes further, Sportsbet.io has even more to offer!

Feature image courtesy: AFP / Nick Potts

As many as eight Chelsea players have been put into quarantine after six of them were reportedly tested positive for the ongoing global virus. The likes of Mason Mount, Tammy Abraham, Christian Pulisic and Fikayo Tomori are said to be in self-isolation after returning from the Greek island of Mykonos before pre-season training began last weekend.

Meanwhile, Jorginho, Ross Barkley, Emerson and Michy Batshuayi have also been advised to stay away from Chelsea's Cobham base. No names have been confirmed so far, but Telegraph reports that six players have contracted the virus, while the remaining two are in isolation because of close contact with those affected.

View this post on Instagram

The boys ☀�?/a>

A post shared by Tammy Abraham (@tammyabraham1) on Aug 10, 2020 at 10:45am PDT

The players returned to training on Monday after a slightly extended break, but those who have mild symptoms or are asymptomatic will report after their isolation period gets over. Those tested positive will have to self-isolate themselves for 10 days and need to return with a negative test result before they can resume training. 

The number of positive cases has been on a rise amongst the Premier League clubs during the summer break, with 14 new cases recorded at 12 different clubs. Meanwhile, Sheffield United, Brighton and West Ham United have also reported cases in recent weeks.

Chelsea, who finished fourth in the 2019/20 Premier League season, have been quite active in the transfer market. Having already concluded the deals of Timo Werner, Hakim Ziyech and Ben Chilwell, they are also said to be in the final stages of roping in the likes of Thiago Silva from PSG and Kai Havertz from Bayer Leverkusen. 21-year-old defender Malang Sarr has also reportedly agreed a five-year contract with the Blues. The former Nice defender will join Chelsea on a free transfer.

Meanwhile, the Blues are set to kick off their 2020/21 Premier League campaign against Brighton and Hove Albion at the Amex Stadium on Monday, September 14. But before that, Lampard's side will square off against the same opponent in a friendly on Saturday, with Timo Werner and Hakim Ziyech expected to debut.

The quarantine news, however, is a blow to Chelsea as they were a part of the UK government's pilot scheme of welcoming the football fans back into stadiums for the first time since March.

Feature image courtesy: AFP / GLyn Kirk

Chelsea did not make any major additions to their squad over the last two transfer windows. Frank Lampard, in his first season, has done well with a squad that seems to have a good balance of youth and experience.

However, there is a strong possibility that he will want to build a squad in his own image, meaning there could be some players from the current roster who could be shown the door come summer.

With that in mind, we take a look at the Chelsea squad and assess who might stay at the club beyond the summer and who might not.

Goalkeepers

Kepa Arrizabalaga

Spaniard Kevin Arrizabalaga’s future was up in the air after Lampard dropped him from the first-team in February. Ever since, Chelsea have been linked with a new goalkeeper.

However, upon returning, Arrizabalaga performed well. Moreover, given the current situation, the Blues might want to refrain from spending on a new goalkeeper and invest in other areas that need immediate reinforcements.

Verdict: Stays.

Willy Caballero

The Argentine got a handful of games when Kepa was benched but failed to make much of an impression. And with the 38-year-old's contract set to expire at the end of the season, his time at Stamford Bridge is drawing to a close.

Perhaps the Blues might push someone like Jamal Blackman or Nathan Baxter into the second-choice goalkeeping role next season.

Verdict: Leaves. 

Defence

Antonio Rudiger

German international Antonio Rudiger has endured an injury-riddled campaign, which hasn’t quite allowed him to play at his best. However, with his experience and leadership, Rudiger is an important member and is expected to stay at Chelsea.

Verdict: Stays.

Kurt Zouma

Kurt Zouma (R) is a valuable squad player who could be retained. Photo courtesy: AFP / Adrian Dennis

There is no doubting his commitment to the cause but Kurt Zouma doesn’t quite fit the mould of the ball-playing defenders Lampard wants in his team. However, the Frenchman is valuable as a squad player and could only be pushed out if Chelsea bring in a new centre-back.

Verdict: Stays.

Andreas Christensen

Used sparingly early on in the campaign, Danish centre-half Andreas Christensen had become a regular in the latter half of the season with some impressive performances. Young, reliable and an academy product, Christensen isn’t going anywhere.

Verdict: Stays.

Fikayo Tomori

One of Chelsea’s breakout stars of the season, Fikayo Tomori has impressed in his first full season with the first-team and signed a long-term contract only in December last year.

Verdict: Stays.

Emerson Palmieri

Despite having had a number of opportunities, Italian full-back Emerson Palmieri has never been able to establish himself at Chelsea. Lampard is on the lookout for a new left-back in the summer, meaning Palmieri’s time at the Bridge is up and a return to Italy is on the cards.

Verdict: Leaves.

Read | Who could stay or leave next summer? Manchester City’s squad assessed

Marcos Alonso

Spaniard Marcos Alonso hasn’t done enough to justify being the first-choice left-back at Chelsea. However, his performances just before the season was suspended showed he can be counted upon when needed and should buy him some time at the club.

Verdict: Stays.

Cesar Azpilicueta

Captain Cesar Azpilicueta continues to perform week in week out, even though there has been a dip in form. With still two years on his current contract, Azpilicueta is going nowhere, although we might see him being slowly phased out of first-team with Reece James taking over as the first-choice right-back.

Verdict: Stays.

Reece James

The future of the club, academy graduate Reece James has shone bright in his debut season with Chelsea, and he has signed an extension till 2025 in January earlier this year.

Verdict: Stays.

Midfielders

Jorginho

28-year-old Maurizio Sarri favourite Jorginho has been a key player for Chelsea under Lampard. The current vice-captain of Chelsea has plenty left to offer, given his experience and quality. 

Verdict: Stays.

N’Golo Kante

It has been a difficult campaign for diminutive Frenchman N’Golo Kante, with injuries hampering him throughout. Recent reports have claimed that he is seen as a surplus to requirements by Lampard.

However, given his quality, it is hard to see Chelsea offloading him this summer.

Verdict: Stays.

Mateo Kovacic

Croatian international mateo Kovacic has had a solid season in the middle of the park and established himself as one of the first names on Lampard’s teamsheet.

Verdict: Stays.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek

Ruben Loftus-Cheek is a key component of Chelsea's future plans. Photo courtesy: AFP / Oliver Greenwood

Another midfielder who has been on the treatment tables for much of the season, Ruben Loftus-Cheek is seen as the present and the future of the club. Extremely talented, the midfielder will have a key role to play when football resumes.

Verdict: Stays.

Ross Barkley

Englishman Ross Barkley has had a stop-start campaign, but was growing in stature prior to Premier League being suspended. Given his obvious talent, it is frustrating to not see him perform at his best week in week out, but Chelsea are likely to give him another season to come good.

Verdict: Stays.

Billy Gilmour

18-year-old Billy Gilmour has made a huge impression in his last couple of first-team appearances and Lampard has been singing praises of the midfielder. Expect him to become a more regular feature next season.

Verdict: Stays.

Marco van Ginkel

Dutchman Marco van Ginkel hasn’t played for Chelsea for so long, that people might have already forgotten that he is still on the club’s books. The 27-year-old has been on the sidelines, recovering from a chronic knee problem all throughout the season.

With his contract up at the end of the season, it seems unlikely that Chelsea will be offering an extension, given the plethora of options at Lampard’s disposal.

Verdict: Leaves.

Mason Mount

Another beneficiary of Lampard’s trust in youth, Mason Mount has become a regular for Chelsea and has broken into the England national team. Mount signed a contract till 2024 not very long ago.

Verdict: Stays.

Attackers

Willian

Chelsea No. 10 Willian is in the final few months of his contract. Negotiations over a new deal have hit a roadblock, casting serious doubts over his future.

With plenty of suitors out there, we might see the Brazilian opt to move on at the end of the season.

Verdict: Leaves.

Read | Who could stay or leave this summer? Liverpool’s squad assessed

Christian Pulisic

USMNT international Christian Pulisic had shown brief glimpses of his abilities before picking up an injury. An exciting talent, Pulisic has a bright future at Chelsea.

Verdict: Stays.

Pedro

Another experienced pro whose contract is on the verge of expiry, Pedro has stated that he is keen on leaving and should get his wish when the season comes to a closure.

Verdict: Leaves.

Callum Hudson-Odoi

England international Callum Hudson-Odoi hasn’t played as regularly as he would have liked this season, with intermittent injuries hampering his development.

Bayern Munich have made no secret of their interest in the winger, but having signed a new long-term contract last September, Hudson-Odoi is expected to be a prominent player under Lampard moving forward.

Verdict: Stays.

Olivier Giroud

World Cup-winning striker Olivier Giroud was largely frozen out of the first-team picture by Lampard in the first-half of the season but an injury to Abraham forced him to bring Giroud back into the fold and the veteran showed what he brings to the table with a couple of important goals.

However, his contract expires at the end of the season and former Chelsea boss Antonio Conte is keen on a reunion at Inter Milan.

Verdict: Leaves.

Tammy Abraham

The biggest beneficiary of Chelsea’s transfer ban in the last summer is Tammy Abraham. Thrust into the role of the first-choice striker, Abraham has thrived, although he did suffer a dip in form since the turn of the year.

Verdict: Stays.

Michy Batshuayi

Belgian international Michy Batshuayi hasn’t been able to convince us of his abilities during his time at Chelsea, apart from that brilliant loan spell at Borussia Dortmund.

With just a year left on his contract and Lampard looking for reinforcements, his future hangs in the balance. However, with Giroud certain to leave, Chelsea might hold on to him in order to avoid being too thinly stretched in the attacking department.

Verdict: Stays.

Feature image courtesy: AFP / Glyn Kirk

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author's and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of SportsAdda.

In an era of extremity, football clubs try outstretching the enormous heights of extreme creativity which, without a shadow of doubt, keeps the fans on the edge of their seats. Barring the transfer market, of course, the new season brings a sense of compelling excitement with respect to the new kits being announced.

‘Creativity at its very best�?has been a motto for most of the clubs this season, and to say their effort hasn’t really disappointed would be an understatement. Right from paying homage to their heritage to bringing back the memories of the past, the thoughts and the ideas these clubs have put across on their shirts have been quite impressive.

Having said that, here are our top five kits from the 2019-20 football season:

Rank 5: Inter Milan (Away Kit)

Italian clubs and their pure sense of absolute fashion needs no introduction. As for Inter, Nike decided to portray the elegance and glamour of the city Milan on the jersey, and the stripes of gold and black on the collar as well as on the sleeves is the perfect specimen of that. The colours in fact are inspired from their goalkeeper shirt, which Julio Cesar donned during their historic 2009-10 treble-winning season.

| HERE IT IS

Presenting our new Away Kit! pic.twitter.com/5gKdlpRDqn

�?Inter (@Inter_en) June 25, 2019

Rank 4: Real Madrid (Second Kit)

Real Madrid are a club in progress, and all of their kits for the ongoing season has a deeper meaning to it. Their home kit, for instance, runs a golden theme on it which represents the success the club has tasted over the years. Their third kit, on the other hand, has a soul of the future of their home, Santiago Bernabeu. And so, as we speak of the away kit, it is dedicated to the fans and their support during the historic “La Décima�?season. 

Rank 3: Chelsea (Third Kit)

Chelsea’s all-white polo collared away kit turned several heads upon its announcement. And this third kit is set to continue the trend with its all retro 90s flavour. Based on an all-black colourway, the flashes of bright orange shines as it covers the collar the sleeves, bringing back the memories of the past.

Introducing the new @nikefootball 2019/20 third kit!

Taking inspiration from the 1990s, the shirt features colours from one of the club’s most unforgettable away strips and the Nike Futura logo reflecting iconic kits of the past. #ITSACHELSEATHING

http://t.co/lnBtcXDP8A pic.twitter.com/nq1vzPTEfK

�?Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) September 4, 2019

“You can see the �?0s influence in fashion at the moment and I think the kit will appeal to pretty much everyone,” said Blues midfielder Mason Mount. “Younger fans will like that it has a streetwear vibe and older fans will appreciate the sentimentality, remembering club legends who donned the famous jersey and their memories of going to games.�?/p>

Rank 2: Crystal Palace (Away Kit)

With all the vivid graphics covering the front, this has to be one of the best away kits in the Premier League, to say the least. Also featuring their home colours of blue and red along with the vertical graphic, a classic V-shaped neck is followed by relatively longer sleeves, which Puma also experimented with Arsenal’s 2014/15 kit.

⚫️⚫️⚫️ PALACE AWAY ⚫️⚫️⚫️ pic.twitter.com/5SSn7d3YA8

�?Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) July 11, 2019

Rank 1: AS Roma (Home and Away)

Keep it as simple as you can, with a minimal flash of brilliance. Guess that was the insight the designers were given for both of Roma’s home and away kit. Whatever that was in reality, they came up with arguably the best kits of 2019-20 season. The home kit features the lightning bolt across the collar, sleeves and the socks, and carries a significant meaning to it.

Official Roma Home kit 2019/2020 pic.twitter.com/qaWHdvS0C1

�?Siaran Bola Live (@SiaranBolaLivee) May 23, 2019

“Roman mythology and its influence on Roman Identity played a huge part in the concept,” explains Pete Hoppins, Nike Football Apparel Senior Design Director. “This year, Jupiter was our focus, and the lightning bolt was an obvious and powerful symbol to hone in on.�?/p>

The away kit, on the other hand, has a single bolt of thunder which covers the front of the kit.

⚡️

Our new away kit is here! #ASRoma pic.twitter.com/osMsoVrJoF

�?AS Roma English (@ASRomaEN) July 12, 2019

“When you combine Roma’s famous colours with the depth of the city’s mythology then you have a really potent mix," Hoppins added. "The lightning theme is a powerful concept for 2019/20, and I think both the home and away kits give fresh takes while staying true to the club’s identity.�?/p>

Feature image courtesy: AFP / Tiziana Fabi

Arguably one of the top three players in the world right now, Eden Hazard’s egress from Chelsea has left a kind of an insurmountable void at Stamford Bridge. But despite the transfer ban, there is still hope. Under their new manager and club legend, Frank Lampard, the Blues have begun their new expedition.

Lately, under the guidance of Lampard, young players have demonstrated immense fervour and rigour. Hazard may be in Madrid now, but the future of Chelsea looks secure at the face of it. Here are the top four players who can step it up and become the saviour that the Belgian once was for the club.

Tammy Abraham

A product of Chelsea’s youth academy, Tammy Abraham has proved his worth with a successful loan spell at Aston Villa previous season. Netting 25 goals in 37 appearances for the Villans, Abraham has now returned home to Stamford Bridge.

Dreams do come true 2 goals + 3 points cmmonnnnnn @ChelseaFC !!!! pic.twitter.com/z7l63A9wd6

�?Tammy Abraham (@tammyabraham) August 24, 2019

The 21-year-old possesses the pace and the strength to run past defenders just like Hazard and will be instrumental in taking up the goal scoring duties for the Blues. It’s a moment of urgency for Chelsea as losing their most prized possession to Real Madrid can haunt them quickly. Tammy brings his red-hot form to the table and with four goals in the first four appearances in the Premier League, he has given more than a glimmer of hope.          

Mason Mount

Another product of Chelsea’s youth institution, Mason Mount established his credentials on a loan spell with Derby County in the previous season. Fortunately for the 20-year-old, he flourished as a promising midfielder under Lampard who managed Derby before his move to Chelsea this season.

Lampard made sure that after a successful stint at Derby, Mount should be a part of Chelsea’s midfield. He upheld his manager’s trust by scoring a goal in his second appearance for the Blues in the league.

Christian Pulisic

After spending three years of his senior career in Germany with Borussia Dortmund, Christian Pulisic was swooped by Chelsea in the January transfer window in 2019, with an expectation of settling in the role of a winger or an attacking midfielder. He can dribble at high speeds and can provide invaluable assists in big games.

He will be a pivotal part of Chelsea’s Champions League campaign and is undoubtedly expected to leave an indelible mark on the future of the Blues. 

Callum Hudson-Odoi

If there’s one thing that came through in Chelsea’s 2018-19 campaign, it was the revelation of a promising youngster in the form of Callum Hudson-Odoi. Although the Englishman didn’t have an immediate impact in the Premier League, he was instrumental in breezing Chelsea to the Europa League final, having scored four goals in nine appearances in the competition.

⚽️ pic.twitter.com/IGyj6ExtES

�?Callum Hudson-Odoi (@Calteck10) August 30, 2019

After suffering an injury in April earlier this year, Hudson-Odoi is tipped to be one of the forerunning members of the Champions League squad under Lampard.

Feature image courtesy: AFP / Ian Kington