BT Sport pundit Michael Owen is expecting Chelsea to edge a narrow contest when they face Lille in the second leg of their Champions League round of 16 tie this evening.
The Blues are already 2-0 up after the first match last month and Owen is expecting Thomas Tuchel’s side to soak up pressure and score a breakaway goal to secure victory on the night:
“Chelsea are in the driving seat ahead of this one. These types of matches are Thomas Tuchel’s bread and butter. Sit in, give nothing away, and when it comes to the point where Lille must throw everything forward, it’d be just typical that Chelsea nick one.”
Owen has gone with a 1-0 win, which seems like a very fair prediction. Lille will be a threat but they may not have the quality to break down the away side, who don’t need to take any risks with a two-goal lead.
The only concern would be if Lille got an early goal, as the French side would undoubtedly get a confidence boost that would push them to get back on level terms.
Even if that happens, though, you would expect the Blues to get on the scoresheet tonight and progress to the next round.
