Chelsea, the reigning UEFA Champions League winners, will face Villarreal in the 2021 UEFA Super Cup clash at Windsor Park in Belfast on Thursday, August 12.
Thomas Tuchel won the UCL within five months of his appointment as Chelsea manager, leading the Blues to their second top-tier European title. Tuchel, the third successive German manager to lift the Champions League trophy, seems poised to lead his Chelsea side to their first UEFA Super Cup since 1998-99.
Villarreal, the 2020-21 Europa League champions, will make their first appearance in the UEFA Super Cup. The La Liga side, coached by former Arsenal boss and four-time UEL winning coach Unai Emery, beat Manchester United in last season’s final to win their maiden continental honour.
Chelsea will start as favourites against Villarreal in the European curtain raiser for the 2021-22 season, and as far as the head-to-head record goes, both sides will lock horns for the first time in a competitive match.
Chelsea team news and injury update
Manager Thomas Tuchel is expected to field a Chelsea team that will miss the services of first-team regulars like Mason Mount, Thiago Silva, Reece James, Ben Chilwell, Cesar Azpilicueta and Jorginho.
Tammy Abraham, the subject of a move away from Stamford Bridge, could start up front alongside Timo Werner and Hakim Ziyech.
While Romelu Lukaku is expected to complete a high-profile return to the Blues this week, the Belgian striker is unlikely to make it into the team that will face Villarreal.
Villarreal team news and injury update
Spanish midfielder Dani Parejo is the only known Villarreal player currently on the club’s injury list.
Boulaye Dia and Aissa Mandi, who joined the Yellow Submarines in the summer transfer window, could start in Thursday’s UEFA Super Cup game against Chelsea.
Villarreal’s midfield options will be boosted by welcoming back Vicente Iborra and Etienne Capoue from injuries.
Where to watch Chelsea vs Villarreal live in India?
The Chelsea vs Villarreal UCL match will be telecast live at 12:30 AM IST on Sony TEN 2 and Sony TEN 2 HD TV channels in India, on Thursday, August 12.
Live streaming of Chelsea vs Villarreal will be available on the SonyLIV app and website.
For Chelsea vs Villarreal football odds and betting, visit Sportsbet.io and look under Top Events - International Clubs - UEFA Super Cup.
Featured photo: AFP / Laszlo Szirtesi
