Prediction: Chelsea vs Villarreal

Prediction: Chelsea win

Best Odds: 3/4

Bookmaker: 888sport

The new European season is upon us with three enticing competitions to follow and get excited about between now and May. They obviously have very different degrees of importance attached to them in the eyes of many but in our view, they each hold the potential for a trophy – which is something every club should strive for. Today, we’re going to take a look at the annual curtain-raiser that is the UEFA Super Cup as Champions League winners Chelsea battle Europa League winners Villarreal.

Chelsea

The kings of Europe are hoping to reclaim their spot at the top of English football this season and under the guidance of Thomas Tuchel, we wouldn’t be at all shocked to see them do just that. As a club they’re starting to build the kind of foundation that reminds us of just how good they were in their prime, and if a few of their rumoured transfers go through in the next few weeks, there will be plenty of reasons to fear them.

Team News

Lukaku’s deal could well be finalised by the time this game takes place but he still isn’t likely to start. Jorginho, Silva, James, Chilwell, Mount and Azpilicueta have all been given an extended break after their exploits on the international stage over the summer.

Villarreal

Villarreal could only manage a seventh-place finish in La Liga during the last campaign but instead of faltering across the board, they poured a whole lot of attention and focus into their European ventures – ending in a surprise win over Manchester United in the final. They know that they’re coming into this game as the underdogs but given their track record of upsetting the odds, we still think they’re likely to fancy their chances.

Team News

Torres is set to miss out on this one after representing Spain at Euro 2020 as well as the Summer Olympics. Elsewhere, a COVID-19 scare means Capoue, Coquelin, Rulli and Iborra could all miss out with Parejo and Chukwueze being fitness doubts.

Conclusion

Chelsea will do everything in their power to play this at their own pace and dictate the tempo of the game, and largely, we think they’re going to succeed. Villarreal will need to try and get physical to throw the Blues off of their rhythm but we just don’t think it’s going to be enough to slow them down. We predict a fairly comprehensive 2-0 win for the favourites and reigning European champions with one goal in the first half and another in the second to seal it.

Prediction: Chelsea win

Best Odds: 3/4

Bookmaker: 888sport