Tag: Mateo Kovacic

Premier League Preview: Chelsea v Aston Villa

Posted on by Feargal Brennan

They play host to Aston Villa in their final game of 2020 and the former England man is expected to make changes.

Full back pair Reece James and Ben Chilwell are both back in action after their injuries were not as bad as first feared.

But Kai Havertz and Jorginho could return to the starting team in place of Mateo Kovacic and Timo Werner.

Villa have enjoyed a much better festive period than their hosts in this one with back-to-back 3-0 wins over West Brom and Crystal Palace.

That run of results means he’s likely to make less changes than Lampard, with the suspended Tyrone Mings the only absentee, with United States international Ezri Konsa set to step in.

And this one gets going at 5.30pm at Stamford Bridge on December 28th.

Premier League Preview: Chelsea v West Ham

Posted on by Feargal Brennan

Back to back defeats against Everton and Wolves has dented the Blues confidence ahead of this one and the former England star is certain to make changes.

Hakim Ziyech misses out through injury, but Mateo Kovacic and Billy Gilmour could both potentially return as Lampard looks to stiffen up his midfield unit.

Hammers boss David Moyes has stuck with a consistent line up in recent weeks with his team picking up an eye catching four wins in their last six matches.

The Scottish coach has confirmed he’ll wait on some late fitness checks before naming his side, with Aaron Cresswell and Fabian Balbuena both struggling with knocks.

Ryan Fredericks and Issa Diop are on stand by to step in if needed, but there is positive news on Jarrod Bowen, with the flying winger passed fit to start.

And kick off in this Tier 4 clash is set for 8pm tomorrow night at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea star Timo Werner on fire with Germany in UEFA Nations League action

Posted on by Feargal Brennan

After initially struggling to find that net in the Premier League, the 24-year old joined up with Joachim Low’s side with five goals in his last seven game.

He has picked that form up with the national side after bagging a brace in their 3-1 Nations League win over Ukraine.

Elsewhere on the international circuit, midfielder Mateo Kovacic has returned to London after testing positive for Covid-19 with Croatia.

The former Real Madrid man will now enter into self-isolation until he has returned the mandatory two negative PCR tests.

And that’s your latest from Stamford Bridge, check back in tomorrow for more with the Sport Social.

Listen to “Should Giroud leave Chelsea, Liverpool injury crisis, Everton in focus and Hollywood takeovers”.

Chelsea power to impressive 4-1 Premier League win over Sheffield United

Posted on by Feargal Brennan

The result moves Frank Lampard’s team up to third in the table as the struggling Blades lost their sixth game of the season.

Chris Wilder’s side cannot buy a win at the minute, but they started as the brighter of the two teams at Stamford Bridge as David McGoldrick edged them in front.

A quick corner caught the Chelsea back line short after nine minutes and the Irishman reacted quickest inside the box to backheel past Eduoard Mendy.

But despite struggling to get a foothold in the opening stages of the game, Chelsea levelled things up with a lucky equaliser.

Hakim Ziyech released Mateo Kovacic in behind and the Croatian’s clever pass found Tammy Abraham in space at the far post.

But despite the best efforts of Enda Stevens, Abraham’s miscued effort ricocheted into the ground past the flailing Aaron Ramsdale.

However if there was a touch of fortune about Chelsea’s equaliser, the Blues second goal was a horror show from the Blades defence.

Ziyech’s ball into the box was missed by Max Lowe and Ben Chilwell stole in behind to poke past Ramsdale for a quick fire second.

That rapid one two from Chelsea turned the tide after the break as United looked to hang on for a late equaliser.

But with the Blades clinging on in the closing stages, the pressure of Chelsea’s all-star attack eventually told.

Thiago Silva bulleted home a header from another Ziyech cross with 15 minutes to go before Timo Werner got in on the act following another Blades defensive blunder.

Full Time at Stamford Bridge it’s Chelsea 4 Sheffield United 1

Premier League Preview: Brighton and Hove Albion v Chelsea

Posted on by Feargal Brennan

Roman Abramovich has allowed Frank Lampard to flex his transfer muscles this summer, with over £200m worth of talent rocking up at Stamford Bridge.

However despite the excitement of his new players, Lampard can only call on half of his new signings, with Ben Chilwell and Thiago Silva both sidelined.

Cesar Azpilicueta and Christian Pulisic should both be fit after picking up injuries in the FA Cup final, but Croatian international Mateo Kovacic is banned after being sent off against the Gunners.

With the visitors throwing money around in recent weeks, Brighton’s summer spending pales in comparison, with Graham Potter spending less than £2m in fees.

England international Adam Lallana will add some experience to Potter’s side following the exit of Aaron Mooy.

But after a low-key summer on the south coast, the biggest news for Potter has been tying Ben White to a new long-term contract at the club.

The 22-year old returned to the AMEX after a brilliant loan spell at Leeds last season he’s expected to replace Shane Duffy at centre back this season.

It’s a late one for both sets of fans tomorrow night, with an 8.15pm kick off at the AMEX Stadium.