UEFA Super Cup: Chelsea vs Villarreal preview - TV channel, team news & prediction

Thomas Tuchel will hope to lift his second trophy as Chelsea boss when his side meet Villarreal in the Super Cup on Wednesday night.

After masterminding a run to Champions League glory just six months after joining the club, the Blues will come into this one as favourites but would do well not to underestimate Unai Emery's Villarreal, who booked their spot in this game by pipping Manchester United to the Europa League trophy.

Here's 90min's preview of the game.

Where to watch Chelsea vs Villarreal on TV/live stream

When is kick off? Wednesday 11 August, 20:00 (BST)
Where is the match being played? Windsor Park, Belfast
What TV channel is it on? BT Sport 1 (UK), CBS Sports Network (USA)
Who's the referee? Sergei Karasev
Who's the VAR? Marco Fritz

Chelsea team news

Will it be done in time?

Chelsea are looking to complete their £97.5m acquisition of striker Romelu Lukaku in time to feature in this game. They have until 11pm on Tuesday evening to finalise their squad list, so the clock is ticking.

Elsewhere, expect Thomas Tuchel to hand some much-needed minutes to the likes of Mason Mount, Ben Chilwell, Reece James and Jorginho - all of whom have only just returned from their extended holidays.

Villarreal team news

Emery has some big issues to deal with. Firstly, winger Samu Chukwueze remains sidelined with a hip injury, while centre-back Pau Torres has only just finished at the Olympics with Spain and will likely be handed a rest.

Star striker Gerard Moreno is expected to start after returning to training last week, and he may be joined by new signing Boulaye Dia, who completed a £10m switch from Stade Reims last month.

Chelsea vs Villarreal predicted lineups

Chelsea: Mendy; Rudiger, Christensen, Azpilicueta; Hudson-Odoi, Kante, Jorginho, Chilwell; Mount, Havertz; Werner.

Villarreal: Rulli; Foyth, Albiol, Mandi, Pedraza; Pino, Parejo, Trigueros, Gomez; Moreno, Dia.

Chelsea vs Villarreal head-to-head record

These two sides have never actually faced off, but we know that Villarreal aren't going to be scared of facing an English team after dispatching of both United and Arsenal in their run to Europa League glory.

Similarly, Chelsea did away with the best Spain had to offer last season, dumping both Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid out of the Champions League, having already beaten Sevilla 4-0 in the group stage.

Tuchel and Emery have never faced off either, although their stories are linked as it was Tuchel who replaced Emery as Paris Saint-Germain manager in 2018.

Chelsea vs Villarreal score prediction

With Chelsea's big guns still working on their fitness this summer, the Blues aren't going to be at full strength for this one.

Having said that, Tuchel will still expect his side to win it, and his chances of victory will undoubtedly be boosted if the Lukaku deal is completed in time. It's touch and go at the minute, but it could get done if everyone moves quickly.

Villarreal will prove to be some stiff competition for Chelsea, but expect the Blues to edge this one.

Prediction: Chelsea 1-0 Villarreal