Chelsea host Borussia Dortmund in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League Last 16. The German giants take a 1-0 lead to Stamford Bridge, thanks to wonderful solo goal by Karim Adeyemi in the first leg.
It’s all to play for going into Tuesday’s encounter. We spoke to Bet9ja Ambassador and former Dortmund striker Victor Ikpeba, to get his views on this well-poised tie.
VI: Considering they are defending a 1-0 lead, I think Dortmund will play this game against Chelsea on the counter-attack. When you look at the first leg at the Westfalenstadion, I think Chelsea deserved more and could’ve punished this Dortmund side, particularly when you look at the two glaring chances Joao Felix missed. Then they were punished themselves by a counter-attacking and sublime goal from Adeyemi.
The Chelsea players have what it takes to beat this Dortmund team but of course, Edin Terzic’s men are ruthless right now, winning their last 10 matches in all competitions after beating RB Leipzig 2-1 last Friday.
The way Dortmund will set up will make it difficult for Chelsea to break them down, especially given the fact Graham Potter’s side have only scored four goals in their last 10 matches, which is very poor for a team with this group of players. A team with Raheem Sterling, Kai Havertz, Hakim Ziyech, Mykhailo Mudryk and Felix should simply be scoring more goals.
For Dortmund, of course Julian Brandt and Marco Reus will be key. So too will be Jude Bellingham and the way he can dictate play in the middle of the park, but also chip in with goals and add to his 10 so far this season.
Although Chelsea’s form is poor and before their 1-0 win against Leeds, the Blues had only won one in 10, their whole season rides on this match. I think Potter, the team and the fans will all be up for it. Personally, if Chelsea score early, I see them beating this young Dortmund side and progressing to the quarter-finals. It’s a question of belief.
Prediction: Chelsea win. Bet9ja Odds (at time of writing, 90 minutes only): 1.90
Chelsea to qualify: 2.02
Goalscorer Odds:
Kai Havertz: First Goalscorer 7.40, Anytime 3.40
Joao Felix: First Goalscorer 7.60, Anytime 3.50
Sebastien Haller: First Goalscorer 8.60, Anytime 3.90
Jude Bellingham: First Goalscorer 23.00, Anytime 9.00
