Olivier Giroud has made a bold Chelsea prediction for how he believes Graham Potter's side will approach this AC Milan UEFA Champions League Group E fixture.
The former Blues icon and Arsenal striker will be returning to the English capital, a year after Thomas Tuchel allowed the Frenchman to move onto his next challenge.
Giroud, 36, won three titles during his three-year stay in West London. That was three short of the six total trophies the former Montpellier striker acquired during his Arsenal days.
It must be noted though three of those trophies attained in North London were Community Shields, whilst all of the Les Bleus' European successes came in the Blue of Chelsea. A Europa League and Champions League victory means Giroud has a place in the folklore of the Stamford Bridge-based club.
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Ahead of this vital clash on Wednesday night, the striker - who has six goal contributions in eight Serie A and Champions League appearances combined to date - expects Potter's side to play in an 'energetic' and aggressive fashion.
"Chelsea have just one point so far, so they will play aggressively and in an energetic way, aiming for the win, so we expect a tough game," he told Football Italia.
"I think it’ll be a special game for the team because it’s a great UCL match-up. It’s also personally for me, as I spent nine years in London playing for Arsenal and Chelsea, so I expect it to be a great game."
Milan manager Stefano Pioli, whilst wanting his team to 'dominate' Chelsea, is under no illusion about the buoyant and motivated mood of his opponents following Tuchel's sacking.
He also said to Football Italia: “Chelsea changed coach and so we’ll face a highly-motivated team. We prepared well, we know how important this match is, but I don’t believe it will be decisive, as the final two group games will be decisive.
“We are still playing in a wonderful atmosphere and want to have our say. We have to be good technically, tactically and in terms of controlling the ball.
“Very simply, either we dominate the game or the other team will dominate us. We want to take control of the match, knowing full well we are up against an opponent with great quality, who have a rapid attacking unit with good technique, so we have to be solid and focused in defence.
“What matters though is that we play with our spirit and try to attack, to be dangerous, because that’s what we can do and what we want to do.”
Chelsea fans- Who will be the more dangerous player on Wednesday night out of Rafael Leao or Olivier Giroud and why? Leave your thoughts in the comments section below!
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