UEFA Champions League Preview – Group E

The Champions League is usually a place where champions of certain countries play against one another. That won’t be the case in Group E, where we don’t have a single winner of its national league. Sevilla is here as the Europa League winners, while Chelsea, Rennais, and Krasnodar all ended here without capturing a single trophy in their domestic competitions.

Sevilla

Julen Lopetegui washed out his biography following two nasty experiences with the Spanish national team and Real Madrid with a European trophy. His Sevilla was the best team in Europa League, proving once again that this competition might rename into something like “Sevilla Cup” or similar.

The Rojobalncos were dominant in the knockout stage, and even the likes of Inter Milan and Manchester United couldn’t handle them. They would confidently win this piece of silverware, announcing their return to the Champions League.

Sevilla is a tactically very well endowed side, who plays on result, so don’t expect some high-scoring affairs when they appear on the field.

Chelsea

The new Chelsea started the year with mixed success, but that was expected, because Lampard has just too many players to accommodate and fit in his game. But be sure that when these guys click, the Blues will be one monstrous team. That might be in one month, three, or even 12, but sooner or later that will happen.

Werner, Havertz, Silva, Ziyech, Chilwell, with Pulisic, Kante, Mount, Abraham, and the rest of the team has massive potential.

They are playing open and efficient with constant attacking, regardless of the opponents. What is problematic is the unit’s defensive part because it is a bit weaker than the rest of the team and suffers the most due to an attacking mentality.

Rennais

All the eyes will be pointed towards the 17-year old Eduardo Camavinga, one of Europe’s biggest talents. This central midfielder was a target of several major teams this summer, but Rennais didn’t want to sell him.

Apart from him, the French side has a few solid guys, Daniele Rugani, Steven Nzonzi, the World Cup winner, and Sevilla’s former midfielder, Dalbert, etc.

Like all the teams coming from French Ligue One, Rennais, too, plays a very tough and physical football, where you won’t see to many goals. The difference between playing on the road and at home isn’t too big, and the defense is always the primary option for them.

Krasnodar

Russian football always brings some new faces to the UCL, and this year, that would be Krasnodar. They reached the group stage following playoffs in which the Russians eliminated PAOK.

Byki or the Bulls, are one very interesting side that wants to play modern and offensive football with lots of running and pressure. Even though that can’t be compared to some high-caliber teams, Krasnodar does try to copy that style, and be sure that you feel boring when watching their matches.

The biggest name in the team is Tony Vilhena, a 25-year old Dutch midfielder.

Prediction

Sevilla and Chelsea should end at the top two positions, with their head-to-head meeting deciding who will have the advantage of the home court in the round of 16. Rennais and Krasnodar are equal to us, and that third place will depend upon who manages to snap one point from the favorites.