Event of the Day: Chelsea v Roma
Our event of the day...
is the UEFA Champions League Group C fixture between Chelsea and Roma at Stamford Bridge, London. Chelsea have made an impeccable start to their Champions League campaign having won their first two group games, scoring eight and conceding only one. This is made all the more impressive considering one of those wins came in Madrid against an Atlético team that is notoriously well organised and difficult to beat. Roma will also be fairly content with their opening two results, taking a point against Atlético and an expected win against FK Qarabag in Azerbaijan. Tonight, therefore, presents a clash between the group’s two front-runners and should make for an interesting game of football.
In contrast to their excellent start to European competition after a year’s absence, Chelsea will look at tonight as an opportunity to get over a disappointing result last weekend. A 2-1 loss to previously winless (and goalless) Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park is not the ideal preparation for a Champions League game. Roma will likely pose a sterner test with the likes of Edin Džeko and Radja Nainggolan – the latter of which Chelsea have repeatedly wanted to sign to join the club – bringing physicality and an attacking threat to proceedings. Adding to intrigue is the possibility of Chelsea defender Antonio Rüdiger lining up against his previous teammates following his switch from Rome in the summer. This could be a very well-balanced game indeed.
Honourable mentions...
around the globe go to the MLB League Championship Series games between the Chicago Cubs and the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League at Wrigley Field and the New York Yankees versus the Houston Astros in the American League at Yankee Stadium.
In tennis, it’s the round of 16 of the ATP European Open in Antwerp with Ruben Bemelmans taking on Nick Kyrgios meanwhile Britain’s Heather Watson takes to the court in the second round of the WTA Luxembourg Open. It’s also the beginning of the UEC European Track Championships in Berlin, Germany. There are three games in the NHL including the St. Louis Blues hosting the Chicago Blackhawks at Scottrade Center. The NBA is in full swing as eleven fixtures get underway – including the Utah Jazz versus the Denver Nuggets at Vivint Smart Home Arena.
Whatever you’re watching, enjoy!
Fixture
Photos by Chelsea; AS Roma