FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE
Last season’s Champions League winners Chelsea begin their title defence against Russian side Zenit St. Petersburg at Stamford Bridge tonight in what will be the first ever competitive fixture between the two clubs.
The Blues will still be without Christian Pulisic and N’Golo Kante, who both miss out through ankle injuries.
Meanwhile, Jorginho is expected to return to the starting line-up after a difficult debut for loan-signing Saul Niguez against Aston Villa.
Striker Romelu Lukaku bagged a brace against the Villains, taking his tally for the season to three goals in as many games.
Zenit should not be underestimated, however, as they currently sit top of the Russian Premier League, unbeaten in seven games with five wins and 16 goals scored.
The St. Petersburg outfit have won the Russian league for the last three years in a row, but have failed to get out of the Champions League group stage for the last two seasons.
They are also captained by former Liverpool defender, Dejan Lovren.
