PAOK v Chelsea Tips: Sarri’s Blues set for seventh heaven in Greece?
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Chelsea’s last foray into the Europa League saw them walk away with the trophy in 2012.
They’ll be hoping to kick-start their charge in this year’s competition with victory against PAOK in Group L tonight.
We’ve previewed the Greek dust-up below.
Match Odds
The Blues have started the season in style with six wins from their opening six matches.
You can back them at 4/5 to extend that run and continue their record. It’s 31/20 for the Blues to Win to Nil.
PAOK won’t be pushovers in their own back yard, though.
The Thessaloniki-based side have drawn four of their last six group stage matches in the Europa League.
Talking Tactics
Sarri is expected to give chances to a number of fringe players tonight.
Ross Barkley, Danny Drinkwater and Ethan Ampadu could line-up in a home-grown midfield.
Victor Moses and Willian will provide pace and creativity on either side of lone frontman Alvaro Morata up-front.
He’ll need to step up to the plate in the absence of Eden Hazard, who has scored five of Chelsea’s last seven goals.
The West Londoners should still have too much quality for PAOK, who will likely sit behind the ball and try and catch the Blues on the break.
Goalscorer Odds
With Hazard left at home, Morata is Chelsea’s best chance of opening the scoring.
England international Barkley looks set to get a chance from the off after cameo appearances off the bench in recent weeks.
His powerful driving nature could produce a goal at 4/1.
Ex-Arsenal man Chuba Akpom is the best hope for the hosts at 16/5.
Match Info
Where: Toumba Stadium
When: 5:55pm, Thursday 20th September 2018.
How to watch: BT Sport 2
Click here for the latest Champions League odds.
All Odds and Markets correct as of date of publication
