Hello and welcome to football.london's live Chelsea blog on Tuesday.
The Blues are top of the table in the Premier League with their most recent win coming against Brentford at the weekend.
Ben Chilwell's strike gave Chelsea the lead just before half-time but it was the heroics of goalkeeper Edouard Mendy that helped Thomas Tuchel's side take all three points.
The match was won without first-team defenders Antonio Rudiger and Thiago Silva.
However, their absences provided an opportunity for Premier League debutant Malang Sarr, who put in a good showing as part of the back three.
Tuchel will now be gearing his side up for back-to-back home games as they first host Malmo in the UEFA Champions League tomorrow before taking on Daniel Farke’s Norwich in the league on Saturday.
There’s still plenty to focus on off the pitch too.
Eden Hazard is linked with a return to Stamford Bridge while summer target Jules Kounde could also be on his way to west London, if reports are to be believed.
With that in mind, we will be bringing you all the latest news surrounding the club, so make sure to stay tuned throughout the day.
Goodnight!
Thanks for following along with our coverage of all the news and transfer news surrounding the European Champions on this Tuesday.
Join us again at 7:30am as we build-up to our Champions League clash against Malmo.
Victor Moses details four reasons Chelsea can beat Liverpool & Man City to Premier League title
Former Chelsea winger turned wing-back Victor Moses has made a prediction that all Blues fans will love as the Nigerian prepares to take on English opposition this week in the Europa League.
Moses, 30, is now plying his trade in Russia with Spartak Moscow after nine indifferent years in SW6. The first part of his Chelsea tenure was mixed as the winger at the time was sent on multiple loans amid his struggles for first-team football.
Ahead of the game, Moses has opened up on his time with the current European Champions and in the process, made a prediction that will excite many Chelsea fans regarding the Premier League title chances for Thomas Tuchel's side this season.
He pointed out the four reasons why his former club can oust Liverpool and Man City in this specific race.
"If they continue in the same spirit, they will have every chance," he said. "So far, the team has only one defeat to City. Cool line-up, strong coach.The three-defender setupis great for today's matchmaking, and the offensive now has Lukaku, one of the best forwards in general."
Read the full story here.
Final scores in Champions League
Porto 1-0 AC Milan
Atletico Madrid 2-3 Liverpool
Ajax 4-0 Borussia Dortmund
Inter Milan 3-1 Sheriff
PSG 3-2 RB Leipzig
Shakhtar Donetsk 0-5 Real Madrid
Mohamed Salah prediction vindicates Jose Mourinho's Marina Granovskaia revelation at Chelsea
BT punditry duo Peter Crouch and Joleon Lescott agreed that Mohamed Salah is the best player in the world right now - which yet again highlights the talent Chelsea and Marina Granovskaia let slip through their fingers.
Salah, 29, has set the Premier League and Champions League alight this season with his 'out of this world' type of performances that are being produced on a weekly basis.
His goal of the season contender goals for Liverpool in the Premier League against Man City and most recently Watford has brought the Mo Salah vs Eden Hazard debate back to the agenda amongst the Reds and Chelsea fanbases.
With how brilliant both have been in Merseyside and London respectively, one factor that will put the Egyptian ahead of the Belgian in terms of calibre would be if the two-time golden boot winner went on to win the impending Ballon d'Or award.
Read more here.
Thomas Tuchel told the Edouard Mendy problem that could harm Chelsea's Premier League challenge
The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) could be the thing to derailing Chelsea's Premier League title challenge for one specific reason - Edouard Mendy's absence.
Mendy, 29, produced a stunning performance in the European Champions' most recent assignment against Brentford in the west London derby last weekend.
Without his heroics between the sticks, it is safe to say that Thomas Tuchel's side would not be sitting at the top of the Premier League table.
So, how will the Blues deal without their Senegalese star in the new year when he jets off to compete for his country in the upcoming AFCON?
“I think he has been brilliant," Green told The Athletic. "At the start, if you wrote what you want your keeper’s technique to be, some things were not ideal. But the Premier League hasn’t found him out for that. He has been able to perform at a higher level than the French league and still look assured, fairly comfortable in games.
“Sometimes he makes rash decisions, judgement of through-balls and things like that. But they are isolated incidents, not a recurring theme. The fact no one really writes about him is actually the biggest compliment you can make. Isn’t that what you want from a keeper? He’s the kind of player people won’t fully appreciate until he’s gone.
“He makes a lot of good saves and I think it gets taken for granted a little bit outside of Chelsea. He is up there as one of the best keepers.”
Will Tuchel miss Mendy in January? Read more here to find out.
Chelsea fans spot impressive Romelu Lukaku skill ahead of Champions League clash vs Malmo
Chelsea fans have noticed an impressive Romelu Lukaku quality ahead of the Champions League clash v Malmo after a document was released showcasing his multitude of skills off the pitch.
Lukaku, 28, is currently trying to work his way out of a mini-goal drought, with the Blues' number 9 having failed to hit the back of the net in the last six games in all competitions.
Ahead of what should be a comfortable win for the west Londoners under the lights of Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night, an interesting document has been shown, showcasing the language skills of each player - and it's safe to say that Lukaku is highly intelligent on and off the pitch.
The list shows the language skills of the Chelsea cohort for foreign journalists to know, when they attend on Wednesday night and plan on interviews, with Mateo Kovacic alongside the aforementioned striker doing very well in this regard.
Lukaku tops the list with eight languages that he can speak when needed too, whilst the Croatian comes second with his knowledge of five languages.
Read how fans reacted here.
'You shouldn't dare' - Antonio Conte told to shut up about Romelu Lukaku after Chelsea message
Former Inter Milan striker Antonio Cassano has leapt to the defence of Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel by suggesting that Antonio Conte ‘shouldn’t dare’ suggest that the Blues don’t know how to use Romelu Lukaku.
Belgium international Lukaku sealed a memorable return to Stamford Bridge earlier this year in a £98m move from Inter and has endured a somewhat inconsistent period.
Talking on Twitch, the 39-time Italian international said: “Lukaku is struggling, he clings to the defender, and it’s his teammates who go looking for him.
“Tuchel doesn’t have to learn from Conte how to make Lukaku play; a coach shouldn’t dare to say things like that to someone who has won what he has won.”
He continued: “Chelsea are distorting themselves to get Lukaku into the game, it’s Lukaku who has to follow Chelsea’s idea, but he doesn’t have the characteristics Tuchel wants.”
Read the full piece here.
Juventus' Max Allegri has already told Thomas Tuchel and Chelsea how to ease to Malmo win
Juventus manager Max Allegri has already told Thomas Tuchel and Chelsea the key to defeating Malmo in matchday three of this season's Champions League.
The current European Champions were narrowly defeated 1-0 by the Old Lady in matchday two of this season's competition, with Federico Chiesa's wonderfully taken goal 11 seconds after half-time handing the Italian giants top spot in the early Group H standings ahead of the third round of group fixtures.
The 54-year-old revealed in his press conference the key to easing to victory against the Swedish champions.
“The Champions League opener is never straightforward. We were also coming into it after a not-so-easy period," Allegri said.
"There’s room for improvement in terms of possession, but there were still positives in that area. Tonight three midfielders played who had never previously played together. It takes time for the players to get to know one another better."
Read the full story here.
Champions League score updates
Atletico Madrid 1-2 Liverpool
Paris Saint-Germain 1-1 RB Leipzig
Shakhtar Donetsk 0-0 Real Madrid
Inter Milan 0-0 Sheriff
Porto 0-0 AC Milan
Ajax 2-0 Borussia Dortmund
Ferdinand on Lukaku
Rio Ferdinand has confidently claimed that Chelsea forward Romelu Lukaku will soon overcome his “rough period” in front of goal to start scoring goals again.
“Lukaku hasn’t scored in six games but they are still winning games. There is no doubt in my mind he comes back and scores a hatful of goals. He’s just having a bit of a rough period like all strikers go through,” Ferdinand said.
Chelsea are about to pull off their best piece of transfer business in the past decade
Mason Mount, one of the lasting emblems of the Frank Lampard era, has outgrown the 'Lampard label' and developed into one of Chelsea's most influential players.
With reports suggesting the club are intending to offer the England international a new long-term contract, this could potentially be the most intelligent piece of business the club has conducted in the past decade.
Chelsea, being one of the original 'new money clubs', have become synonymous with splashing out whopping transfer fees and paying exorbitant wages in their endless pursuit of silverware.
On the face of it, this policy has proven, rather unsurprisingly, to be a successful one. However, as the club enters a period of youthful regeneration, Cobham graduates are looking increasingly at home on the hallowed Stamford Bridge turf, and there's no player who that statement applies to more than Mount.
Read more from the fan brands team here.
Trevoh Chalobah reveals how close he came to not joining Chelsea and who convinced him otherwise
Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah has revealed that he almost signed for Fulham earlier in his career only for a scout at Stamford Bridge convinced him otherwise.
The youngster has progressed through the youth system at Cobham and after spells with Ipswich Town, Huddersfield Town and Lorient, has gone on to establish himself within the first-team under Thomas Tuchel.
He has made eight appearances so far this season and scored two goals, against Crystal Palace and Southampton.
The 23-year-old’s rise to prominence is surprising considering he was expected to once again depart on loan, but it is even more stark considering that he could potentially have been playing his football for Chelsea ’s west London rivals Fulham alongside brother Nathaniel.
Talking in an interview with the Blues’ official website, Chalobah said: “Actually, when I was younger, I never liked football, you know.
“I would say my older brother Nathaniel, it was him, he used to play football in the park and I used to kick about with him and he got scouted for Fulham.
Read the full story here.
Saul Niguez and Callum Hudson-Odoi start: The Chelsea XI Thomas Tuchel should select vs Malmo
Chelsea face Malmo in their third Champions League fixture of the season on Wednesday evening and Thomas Tuchel have a number of options to consider when selecting his starting line-up.
It's been a busy season for the Blues, and when you're in five compeititions there is little opportunity for the relentless schedule to let up.
Already this season the German coach has introduced the likes of Trevoh Chalobah, Malang Sarr and Ruben Loftus-Cheek into his first team plans, while Ross Barkley has had an influence from the bench.
Malmo have suffered heavy defeats to Juventus and Zenit Saint Petersburg so far this season in Europe and that hints that Tuchel may able to use the game to try and breed confidence into his players, and perhaps provide an opportunity to the likes of Callum Hudson-Odoi and Saul Niguez.
football.london's Chelsea reporters name the side they would select for the fixture at Stamford Bridge below:
Find out who starts here.
Manchester United urged to follow Chelsea lead with major Ole Gunnar Solskjaer sack decision
Former Tottenham striker Darren Bent has urged Manchester United to follow Chelsea’s example in sacking ‘club legend’ Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
The Norwegian has come under fire in recent weeks following a poor run of form for the Red Devils. They have won just twice in their last seven games in all competitions, a run that culminated in a 4-2 embarrassment away to Leicester City.
There have been calls from some Manchester United fans for the club to follow Chelsea’s example, with the Blues having found themselves in a similar position in January under Frank Lampard.
That is an opinion that Bent agrees with, suggesting that United would certainly be better off if they handed the reigns to someone else, sooner rather than later.
Speaking to talkSPORT, the 37-year-old said: “Roman Abramovich has obviously got a personal relationship with Frank Lampard.
Read the full quotes here.
Chelsea's Premier League title bid is not built to last - Thomas Tuchel must act and fast
“The idea that I should trust my eyes more than the stats, I don't buy that because I've seen magicians pull rabbits out of hats and I know that the rabbit's not in there.”
Brentford, London. Edouard Mendy lays prone on the cold grass, his eyes firmly fixed up at the dark sky above him. The Senegal international needs a moment to regain his composure. He has, after all, taken a shot from Pontus Jansson square in the face from point-blank range.
It's not supposed to be like this. Not for Mendy. He plays behind the Premier League's meanest defence, a backline that has only been breached three times in the top flight this season. And yet Brentford's bombardment was no great surprise. Well, at least to those who know where the rabbit is.
The quote at the start of this piece was uttered by Billy Beane, who alongside Paul DePodesta transformed the fortunes of Major League Baseball side the Oakland Athletics at the start of the millennium through the use of in-depth statistical analysis.
Read more from our Chelsea correspondent for football.london Adam Newson here.
Every word Reece James said on Chelsea form, tired players and having winners' medals stolen
Chelsea haven't been at their best recently - is that because of too many games?
I think the last few games have been tough but tomorrow is a Champions League game and the Champions League is a tough competition in football where anything can happen so we still need to prepare right. It is not going to be an easy game. They are a good side but it is a home game so hopefully we can get a win tomorrow and start building some momentum.
There was a break in at your house where the Champions League and Super Cup medals were stolen. What’s the update and how does it feel now?
There’s no update or leads from the police or anyone. It is tough to take people breaking into my house to take such valuable items. At this moment, there’s nothing I can do but take it and move on.
See what else Reece James said here in his press conference this afternoon.
Conor Gallagher's transfer value after stunning Crystal Palace display against Arsenal
Conor Gallagher continues to turn in brilliant performances for Crystal Palace after another spectacular showing on Monday evening.
The Chelsea midfielder, who joined the Eagles on a season-long loan from the Blues in the summer, has enjoyed a wonderful start to life at Selhurst Park.
He has made eight appearances for Palace so far this season, notching two goals and an assist. Meanwhile, he was also pivotal once again in the 2-2 draw against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Monday.
As it stands, Gallagher is valued at just £13.5million by transfermarkt but it could be suggested that the Blues would be able to charge a lot more considering the midfielder’s age and current profile.
Read more here.
Chelsea shown why they should pay £63m for perfect Rudiger replacement - and it’s not Kounde
Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel has a defensive conundrum to solve heading into the 2021/22 season.
As it stands, Thiago Silva, Antonio Rudiger, Cesar Azpilicueta and Andreas Christensen are all out of contract next summer - albeit the latter looking close to a new deal.
It all means that Chelsea will likely be needing to recruit a new centre-back sooner rather than later and have been linked to a number of options, including Sevilla’s Jules Kounde and Juventus defender Matthijs de Ligt.
Sevilla director Monchi has already confirmed that the Blues had an offer rejected for the Frenchman late in the summer window, whilst it is being reported that de Ligt’s agent Mino Raiola is gauging interest in his client amid a frustrating situation in Turin.
Read more here.
Pick your team for Malmo
It's now just over a day until Chelsea kick-off against Malmo in the Champions League.
Step into Thomas Tuchel's shoes this afternoon and pick your starting XI for the clash against the Swedish outfit.
Tuchel press conference
Thomas Tuchel has been speaking to the media today ahead of Chelsea's Champions League clash with Malmo.
Read all of what the German had to say so far with football.london's live blog here.
Cassano slams Lukaku
Former Inter Milan forward Antonio Cassano has criticised Romelu Lukaku for a his lack of goals over recent weeks.
Speaking on Twitch, relayed by FC Inter 1908, he said:“Lukaku is struggling, he clings to the defender, and it’s his teammates who go looking for him.
“Tuchel doesn’t have to learn from Conte how to make Lukaku play; a coach shouldn’t dare to say things like that to someone who has won what he has won."
Chelsea get set for Malmo
Chelsea are deep in preparations for this week's clash against Malmo.
Ahead of the tie, football.london have taken a look at the Blues' training session and things you may have missed.
Read the full story here.
Tuchel sent Loftus-Cheek message
Rio Ferdinand has suggested he wants to see Ruben Loftus-Cheek start more often for Chelsea following his impressive showing against Brentford.
Talking on his FIVE podcast, he said: "Ruben Loftus-Cheek in that deeper lying position was magnificent [against Brentford] . I want to see him there regularly."
Moses talks up Chelsea title chances
Former Chelsea winger Victor Moses has talked up the Blues' chances of winning the Premier League this season.
Now at Spartak Moscow, he said: "If they continue in the same spirit, they will have every chance. So far, the team has only one defeat to City. Cool line-up, strong coach.
"The three-defender setup is great for today's matchmaking, and the offensive now has Lukaku, one of the best forwards in general."
Mount wages set to be doubled
Mason Mount is reportedly set to double his current wages at Chelsea with the offer of a new deal.
According to Goal, the Blues are set to open talks over a fresh deal at Stamford Bridge, with Mount set to be rewarded for his fantastic performances with a much-improved contract.
Read the full story here.
