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Joao Felix makes two bold Chelsea predictions for Dortmund clash – but only on one condition
Joao Felix is in confident mood ahead of Chelsea’s Champions League clash against Borussia Dortmund and he has made two bold predictions for the game.
The 23-year-old, who is currently on loan until the end of the season, had several chances in the first leg, but he failed to put any away including a first half effort which crashed off the crossbar.
Chelsea were punished for their inability to put away their chances when they came, with Karim Adeyemi rounding Kepa Arrizabalaga to seal a 1-0 win for Borussia Dortmund heading into the second leg which takes place at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night.
Chelsea vs Dortmund: Live stream, TV channel, kick-off time, team news and prediction
Felix and Chelsea won their first game in seven matches on Saturday when they beat Leeds United 1-0 in the capital.
They are looking to build on the victory in midweek to progress into the quarter-finals and Felix believes Chelsea will win and book their spot in the last eight should they carry out their game plan with no errors.
Ahead of the tie, the Portugal international said: “Zero pressure. This is our job. We just have to enjoy and win. Our levels of confidence and attention are high because we have to win. If we do the things right, we will win.
“I really want to win tomorrow. I love playing in the Champions League. It’s a special competition. I hope after the 90 minutes we are here to celebrate.”
His teammate, Kai Havertz has come under pressure for under performing this season. His heavy price tag of £72 million has failed to deliver a consistent run of quality, although he did score the winning Champions League goal in May 2021 to seal Chelsea’s second European triumph in the final in Porto.
Havertz, confirmed by head coach Graham Potter, is Chelsea’s designated penalty taker now that Jorginho has left the club.
Felix has backed his attacking teammate and believes the 23-year-old to score against Dortmund on Tuesday night.
He added: “He’s (an) amazing player, everyone knows who he is and what he has done for the club. We are the same age, I already know him a long time ago. Our relationship, on and off the pitch, is very good.
“It’s football sometimes. You just have to keep going, he never stops working to keep being better. Tomorrow he will score.”
Chelsea will need to score at least once to give themselves a chance of going through to the next round. A margin of two will mean the Blues won’t require penalties, however they have been practising just in case it goes the distance.
Potter confirmed: “The boys are always practising. We have prepared for eventuality because it’s a possibility. We want to get it done before that.”