CHELSEA could be handed a nightmare ‘group of death’ when the Champions League draw is made tomorrow.
Frank Lampard’s side are with Man Utd and Man City in Pot 2 while Premier League champions Liverpool fill out the English contingent in the top group.
And it is from Pot 1 where the Blues will be looking to avoid one team in particular.
Chelsea have good memories of beating Bayern Munich on their own turf to lift the European title in 2012.
But surely no one would fancy taking on the reigning champs in their current rampant form.
The 8-2 demolition job of Barcelona – over one leg, remember – in the summer is still fresh in everyone’s memory.
And though that came against a club in crisis, the threat Robert Lewandowski – surely robbed of the Ballon d’Or this year – and Thomas Muller perpetually pose makes them the ones to avoid.
Further down in Pot 3, Inter Milan’s team of stars under Antonio Conte – up against his old club – could prove difficult.
And below them again in the bottom pot lie current Ligue 1 leaders Rennes.
The French team’s ex-goalkeeper Edouard Mendy recently joined Lampard’s side so he should know how to handle them.
Saying that though, Rennes have started off unbeaten this season with four wins from five games and 12 goals scored already.
This season will test teams’ fitness levels and squad depth like never before.
So it’s a good job Lampard has been so busy this summer, signing seven players in all.
The Champions League does not start until October 20 as a result of the pandemic and delayed season starts across Europe.
But teams are set to have to play six fiercely competitive European ties during the most congested season in history – possibly complicating their Premier League ambitions as well.
Chelsea boss Frank Lampard reveals Timo Werner didn’t take penalty against Spurs due to cramp as fitness worry creeps in
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
