1′ We’re under way at Windsor Park.
Villarreal are unbeaten in their last 15 games in European competition (W12 D3), with the most recent three coming against English opponents in last season’s UEFA Europa League. They won 2-1 on aggregate against Arsenal in the semi-final, before beating Manchester United on penalties in the final following a 1-1 draw.
Asenjo gets the nod between the sticks tonight for Villarreal in place of Rulli, who scored the decisive penalty against United in the Europa League final. Elsewhere, new signing Dia joins Gerard and Pino in the final third ahead of a midfield trio of Moreno, Trigueros and Capoue. Villarreal are without Francis Coquelin, Dani Parejo and Samuel Chukwueze this evening due to injury.
Tuchel hands a start to Chalobah in the middle of the Chelsea backline this evening. The 22-year-old spent last season on loan at Lorient, but now has the opportunity to showcase his potential for the Blues. Hudson-Odoi gets the nod at right wing-back in an attacking team. Ziyech, Werner and Havertz will provide the spearhead in the final third with Abraham and Pulisic in reserve.
VILLARREAL SUBS: Mario Gaspar, Manuel Morlanes, Paco Alcacer, Vicente Iborra, Pervis Estupinan, Geronimo Rulli, Jorge Cuenca, Dani Raba, Ruben Pena, Aissa Mandi, Moi Gomez, Fernando Nino.
VILLARREAL (4-3-3): Sergio Asenjo; Juan Foyth, Raul Albiol, Pau Torres, Alfonzo Pedraza; Manu Trigueros, Etienne Capoue, Alberto Moreno; Yeremi Pino, Gerard Moreno, Boulaye Dia.
CHELSEA SUBS: Kepa Arrizabalaga, Andreas Christensen, Jorginho, Thiago Silva, Tammy Abraham, Christian Pulisic, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Mason Mount, Ben Chilwell, Reece James, Cesar Azpilicueta, Emerson.
CHELSEA (3-4-3): Edouard Mendy; Kurt Zouma, Trevor Chalobah, Antonio Rudiger; Callum Hudson-Odoi, N’Golo Kante, Mateo Kovacic, Marcos Alonso; Hakim Ziyech, Timo Werner, Kai Havertz.
Villarreal overcame Manchester United in the final of the Europa League last term on penalties and will be searching for another victory over an English opponent to secure another crown. Unai Emery’s men have not recorded a victory in pre-season so they’re in need of a positive display tonight ahead of their LaLiga opener against Granada on Monday. The club secured their first European honour in beating United, and they can kick off their term with a second by notching a victory over Chelsea. The Spanish outift will be up for the battle tonight.
Chelsea will look to kick off their competitive campaign with a victory in the Super Cup to add another trophy to their collection. The Blues were outstanding to win the Champions League final, beating rivals Manchester City 1-0 courtesy of Kai Havertz’s strike. Havertz along with Timo Werner will be looking to make a decisive impact tonight with Romelu Lukaku closing in on a Stamford Bridge return. Thomas Tuchel will see the contest as perfect preparation for their Premier League opener against Crystal Palace on Saturday. He will be determined to sign off pre-season with a strong performance.
Good evening and welcome to the live commentary of the Super Cup clash between Chelsea and Villarreal at Windsor Park.
Source: Goal
2′ Gerard tries to combine with Dia on the edge of the box, but Kovacic and Kante converge to dispossess the winger before he can pull the trigger.