Frankfurt vs Chelsea predicted line-up: Olivier Giroud likely to partner Eden Hazard in attack
A look ahead to the Europa League semi-final first leg at the Commerzbank Arena
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Eintracht Frankfurt host Chelsea in a Europa League semi-final first leg on Thursday night.
In the last round, Chelsea defeated Slavia Prague 5-3 over two legs, while Frankfurt knocked out Portugal’s Benfica on away goals in a scintillating 4-4 quarter-final tie.
Both Frankfurt and Chelsea are fourth-placed in their respective leagues, but neither team is in remarkable form - the Londoners have three wins in their last six matches, and the German side have only won two of their last six games.
The Europa League may therefore prove to be as good an opportunity for Champions League football next season as the clubs’ domestic ventures.
Predicted line-ups
- Frankfurt: Trapp; Abraham, Hasebe, Hinteregger; Da Costa, Fernandes, Rode, Kostic, Gacinovic;N Paciencia, Jovic
- Chelsea: Kepa; Azpilicueta, Luiz, Christensen, Emerson; Jorginho, Kante, Barkley; Pedro, Giroud, Hazard
Adi Hutter’s side will be without Ante Rebic in their front line, as the Croatia international sees out the final days of a suspension. Chelsea have their own absentees in Callum Hudson-Odoi - whose Achilles injury will keep him out of the last few games of the season - and Willian.
What time does it start?
Eintracht Frankfurt vs. Chelsea kicks off at 8pm (GMT).
Where can I watch it?
The match will be shown live on BT Sport 3, with coverage beginning at 7:15pm.
Subscribers can also watch the game on BTSport.com and the broadcaster’s app.
Head-to-head…
Thursday evening’s clash will mark the first time the two clubs have played each other in official competition.
Form guide…
- Frankfurt: WLLWDD
- Chelsea: WWLWDD
Odds…
- Frankfurt to win: 9/5
- Chelsea to win: 31/20
- Draw: 12/5
(Odds by Betfair)
Prediction… Frankfurt 1-2 Chelsea
Frankfurt’s jubilation after overturning a 4-2 first leg defeat in the quarter-finals showed what the Europa League means to them, so expect the German team to be fired up for Thursday’s fixture.
Meanwhile, Chelsea are stuttering in the Premier League, but Maurizio Sarri’s side have saved some of their best performances this season for the Europa League, and they should possess enough quality to beat Frankfurt, even on foreign soil.
In any case, it will be a battle of the strikers, with Chelsea likely to field Olivier Giroud up front - the competition’s top scorer with 10 goals so far - and Frankfurt expected to utilise Serbia’s Luka Jovic, whose eight goals in the tournament mark the second highest return after Giroud.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments