Chelsea vs Dinamo Zagreb: Pre-Match Briefing= chelsea fc

Group E draws to a close this evening with Chelsea hosting Dinamo Zagreb, reigning champions of Croatia and the first visitors to Stamford Bridge from that country. The Plavi (Blues) are one of just 11 sides we have played competitively and are yet to beat. The clocks went back last weekend but mercifully not far enough to relive Saturday’s Hallowe’en experience at Brighton. Unusually, the Blues will welcome the current hectic match schedule as it offers an early opportunity to banish the memory of head coach Graham Potter’s first defeat after nine without loss. Tonight’s guests fared little better in their last game, though, suffering their first domestic league loss since April in thick fog at the home of bogey side Ostijek. Dinamo have a clearer view tonight of what they need to do: a win would not only make them just the second group opponent to beat Chelsea home and away, but could redirect their European excursion into the Europa League – providing Red Bull Salzburg lose at AC Milan. Milan, the home of opera, is where the real drama could unfold. The Rossoneri can secure a place in the Round of 16 by avoiding defeat, while the Austrians could finish as high as second or low as fourth depending on results. All matches within each group kick-off at the same time, both Group E games starting at 8pm. Chelsea team news Last week at Salzburg, Graham Potter became the first Chelsea coach since 2011/12 Champions League-winner Robert Di Matteo to remain unbeaten in his opening four Champions League matches. However, stripped of key players in crucial areas yet again, his run in all competitions ended on Saturday. Brighton went man-for-man on the Blues’ three centre-backs who were overwhelmed in the opening stages. Thiago Silva was twice forced to head off the line chances he himself had uncharacteristically helped create. Despite the heavy final scoreline, there was the familiar refrain that had opportunities at 2-0 and 3-1 been scored not scorned, it could have changed the outcome. In the Champions League the Blues’ eight goals have been notched by seven different players, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang leading the scoring with two. In the reverse fixture defeat, just three of our 15 attempts on goal were on target and decisiveness in the Dinamo box was lacking. Thankfully there is ample time for remedies. Victory this evening would make it four wins in a row for the Blues in Europe, though with top spot secured and Arsenal arriving on Saturday, Potter may aim to rest one or two high-mileage performers. Mateo Kovacic’s absence from training yesterday might provide an opening for midfield loanee Denis Zakaria, who is yet to feature, and there could be a start for bustling striker Armando Broja.