It hasn’t been a good last couple weeks for Chelsea. The club is still learning how to play under new manager Maurizio Sarri, and there have been some struggles adapting to his system. Sarri is much different than his predecessor Antonio Conte. He wants to play an aggressive, free-flowing style of soccer that is contrary to Conte’s insistence on defensive posture. The Blues will have one more exhibition game to figure things out before the start of the Premier League season, when they take on Ligue 1’s Lyon in their International Champions Cup finale on Tuesday.
The International Champions Cup brings some of the top clubs in Europe to cities around the world that normally don’t get to see top flight football. The match will take place at Stamford Bridge in London, England at 3:05 p.m. ET on Tuesday, August 7, 2018. Catch every moment of the match live on ESPN News.
International Champions Cup Betting at BookMaker.eu
Chelsea +137
Olympique Lyon +183
Draw +263
Over/Under 2.5
Last Matches
It has been a very fast start to the season for Lyon. The club was a late addition to the International Champions Cup, replacing Sevilla in June, and they will play all three of their matches in quick succession in Europe.
Lyon’s first match ended in a 3-2 victory over Benfica. In that game, Lyon raced out to a 2-0 halftime lead on the strength of goals from Marcelo and Bertrand Traore. Benfica made it level midway through the second half with one of the goals being an own goal off of Marcelo, but then Martin Terrier was able to poke home the eventual winner for Lyon.
On Saturday, Lyon was not so fortunate. The club was unable to break through Inter Milan’s defenses in a 1-0 loss. They were able to take more shots than their opponent and fired more shots on goal, so that was somewhat encouraging.
Chelsea was able to knock off Inter Milan in penalties a week-and-a-half ago, but they fell in penalties to rival Arsenal last Wednesday. The Blues seemed to have that match in hand after an Antonio Rudiger goal in the fifth minute, but Alexandre Lacazette was able to level in the third minute of extra time and Arsenal won it from there.
However, Blues fans were more concerned about their FA Community Shield tilt against Manchester City on Sunday. That match did not go well for Chelsea, as Manchester City was able to win 2-0 on the strength of two Sergio Aguero goals. City had the much better chances over the course of the match, and Chelsea could only muster a measly five shots with just two of those going on net.
Olympique Lyon Player to Watch
It seems likely that Nabil Fekir will get some run for Lyon in this match. Fekir is Lyon’s superstar, and he was rumored to be headed to a bigger club this summer. However, he has not been moved yet and he has recently returned to training after being given extended time off after France’s World Cup win. With Lyon set to start Ligue 1 play on Sunday, Fekir will probably see time in this match.
Chelsea Player to Watch
Willian is probably ready to start once more after coming on for Chelsea as a substitute against Manchester City in their clash for the FA Community Shield. The talented winger had been rumored to be leaving the club this summer and did not like how he was used under Conte, but he should be free to attack more under Sarri. Look for him to constantly attack Lyon in this one.
Free Soccer Betting Pick
The over is a good bet in this one, but the better bet is probably Lyon. Lyon is likely to play all of its starters in this one, while Chelsea will probably play a number of reserves. The Blues played on Sunday, so having only one day of rest before this match will lead to Sarri emptying his bench.
International Champions Cup Odds: Olympique Lyon 2, Chelsea 1
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