Crank up the volume, because the Champions League anthem is back in our lives!
Chelsea will soak up the fabled tune later this evening when they host Lille in the first leg of their European knock-out tie.
Aside from the additions of Romelu Lukaku and Saul Niguez and the departures of Tammy Abraham and Olivier Giroud, Thomas Tuchel’s group is almost identical to the one that won the trophy last season.
One man who featured throughout the triumphant tournament should be present at Stamford Bridge once again tonight.
Mendy’s magic mitts
Edouard Mendy kept nine clean sheets during the run to the final against Manchester City, a joint record for a debutant in the competition.
He has only conceded once so far in this campaign’s addition, having gifted the gloves to Kepa Arrizabalaga for the 3-3 draw away at Zenit St. Petersburg.
Mendy will most likely return to the fold against Lille, aiming to follow up on the clean sheet he achieved in the 1-0 Premier League victory over Crystal Palace.
Tuchel’s ‘keeper conundrum
Thomas Tuchel’s decision of which goalkeeper to pick should be a lot easier than the one he was forced to make ahead of the Club World Cup final.
Kepa’s excellency in the semi-final allowed Chelsea to reach the showpiece event and some felt the Spaniard deserved a shot at Palmeiras.
However, Mendy’s return from the Africa Cup of Nations meant the number two goal had opposition for his position once again, a contest he failed to win.
Tuchel has probably already made his mind up about which goalie to pick for the upcoming Champions League tie.
He might’ve even been relaying the news to Mendy in this picture of the pair as they walked out to training yesterday.
Chelsea need their very best for the biggest occasions; there’s no doubt the Senegalese international is the very best in the business.
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