Chelsea's Kai Havertz. PA Images/Alamy Images

Chelsea vs. AC Milan preview, predicted lineups

By Matthew Foley | Last updated 10/4/22

Chelsea will look to finally get its 2022-23 UEFA Champions League campaign up and running as it hosts AC Milan on Wednesday in a crucial game in Group E.

The Blues are winless in continental Europe after a 1-0 loss to Dinamo Zagreb and a 1-1 draw against Red Bull Salzburg.

Graham Potter is hopeful that his side's 2-1 victory against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park over the weekend will provide extra confidence going into its fixture against the reigning champions of Serie A.

Speaking to the media Tuesday, Potter emphasized the importance of Wednesday’s match.

“We'll try for three points," he said, via Football London. "It's important to win, but we're playing against a top opponent. So we have to play well and create a good atmosphere.

“They (AC Milan) are a top team, as were Salzburg in terms of how competitive they were," he added. "Every game is different. It's a massive challenge for us."

AC Milan is coming into this game in top form, with only one loss in Serie A. Stefano Pioli’s squad has been struck with injuries, with Theo Hernandez, Mike Maignan, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Divock Origi, Junior Messias, Alessandro Florenzi, Simon Kjaer, Alexis Saelemaekers and Davide Calabria all set to miss the trip to Stamford Bridge. Former Chelsea men Fikayo Tomori and Olivier Giroud are likely to start for Milan as well as United States defender Sergino Dest.

Chelsea confirmed on its website that Potter has a full squad for the fixture as Edouard Mendy, N’Golo Kante, Marc Cucurella and Carney Chukwuemeka have returned to training this week after being unavailable against Crystal Palace. It is likely that the Blues will start with Thiago Silva and Wesley Fofana on defense.

Chelsea predicted lineup: Kepa Arrizabalaga, Reese James, Wesley Fofana, Thiago Silva, Ben Chilwell, Mason Mount, Mateo Kovacic, Conor Gallagher, Kai Havertz, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Raheem Sterling.

AC Milan predicted lineup: Ciprian Tatarusanu, Sergino Dest, Pierre Kalulu, Fikayo Tomori, Fode Ballo-Toure, Sandro Tonali, Ismael Bennacer, Rade Krunic, Charles De Ketelaere, Rafael Leao and Olivier Giroud.

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