Tuesday brought big news for Chelsea FC as they head into the run-in of the 2018-19 campaign. First choice central defender Antonio Rudiger is done for the season, as he will have his meniscus surgically repaired in Italy. The German international came back from his recent knee injury to play against Manchester United, but limped off early during the 1-1 draw.
Also out for the season for Chelsea is winger Callum Hudson-Odoi, and with Willian facing a late fitness test for this match, Blues boss Maurizio Sarri may find himself short of options in the final third. The Brazilian was forced off after a brutal challenge by United defender Marcos Rojo on Sunday, and he’ll be further assessed as kick-off draws near.
For the hosts, Eintracht Frankfurt, forward Sebastien Haller is a doubt due to an abdominal issue. The side making its first European semifinal appearance since 1979-80 will also be without the services of forward Ante Rebic (suspended), midfielder Marc Stendera (back) and defender Taleb Tawatha (ankle).
Chelsea FC vs Eintracht Frankfurt (UEFA Europa League semifinal Leg 1/2) FYIs
Chelsea Starting XI Prediction: go to this link
Kickoff- Thursday May 2, Commerzbank Arena 8pm
Odds via Betfair- Chelsea 13/8, Draw 23/10, Eintracht Frankfurt 7/4
Odds to qualify Chelsea 4/9, Eintracht 17/10
Prediction- Chelsea 3, Eintracht Frankfurt 0
With both English clubs now through to the semi-final round, it seems very likely that one of them will win it all. Maybe we could have a London derby final too!
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net, which is partnered with News Now. Banks, the author of “No, I Can’t Get You Free Tickets:Lessons Learned From a Life in the Sports Media Industry,” regularly appears on WGN CLTV and co-hosts the “Let’s Get Weird, Sports” podcast on SB Nation.
Banks, a former writer for NBC Chicago.com and Chicago Tribune.com, also contributes to Chicago Now. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram. The content of his cat’s Instagram account is unquestionably superior to his.