Filip Kostic (Eintracht Frankfurt) produces a lovely ball into the penalty area but the defender manages to intercept and comfortably averts the danger.
GOAL! Superb work from Eden Hazard, who plays a vital role in the build-up. He squares it to Ruben Loftus-Cheek (Chelsea), who beats Kevin Trapp with a brilliant shot into the bottom right corner. 1:0 .
Watch GOAL Loftus vs Frankfurt
GOAL! Ruben #Loftus-Cheek#CHELSEA #CFC #CHEFRA #CFCLIVE #TheBLUES #UEL #CHEFRA #CFCTV #livestream #football #soccer
— Kim Long (@KimLong2009) May 9, 2019
Link Stream: https://t.co/2fu4fg1stp | pic.twitter.com/8tQaodkLly
Chelsea beat Watford 3-0 at home in their last match to seal a top four Premier League spot. The Blues were lucky not to concede in the first half but took control in the second with goals from Ruben Loftus-Cheek, David Luiz and Gonzalo Higuain.
Maurizio Sarri has favoured Olivier Giroud to Higuain in the Europa League and the French striker is the tournament’s top scorer with 10 goals. The Blues have scored the most in the competition in total this season (31).
Chelsea topped Europa League Group L before eliminating Olympiacos, Dynamo Kiev and Slavia Prague. Eintracht Frankfurt are the Blues’ toughest test yet this season as evidenced by the 1-1 first leg draw.
A concern for Chelsea is injuries which could hamper an already shaky defence. Antonio Rudiger has been ruled out for the rest of the season whilst tough-tackling midfielder N’Golo Kante is doubtful for Thursday.
The Blues are rated as favourites nevertheless and are paying 1.40 for the win largely due to home advantage. Giroud’s fantastic form means there is value in backing him for anytime goalscorer at 2.30.