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As it happenedended

Chelsea vs PAOK, Europa League: Blues make it five from five

Everything you need to know ahead of the Europa League tie at Stamford Bridge

Michael Jones
Thursday 29 November 2018 11:26 EST
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Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri expects to make 'big changes' for PAOK clash after Spurs defeat

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Olivier Giroud scored twice and Callum Hudson-Odoi netted his first goal for Chelsea as the Blues cruised to a 4-0 Europa League victory over 10-man PAOK Salonika at Stamford Bridge.

Yevhen Khacheridi was sent off for the Greek visitors after just seven minutes and Olivier Giroud scored twice before half-time, the second a brilliant volley from a Cesc Fabregas pass.

The 18-year-old Hudson-Odoi scored after 60 minutes before providing a goal for Alvaro Morata, on for Giroud, as the Blues responded from the loss to Tottenham with a fifth win from five European games. Re-live the live action below:

Welcome

Good afternoon and welcome to The Independent's live coverage of this evening's Europa League action. We'll be bringing you live coverage of Chelsea vs PAOK, but first it's to Kiev for Vorskla Poltava vs Arsenal.

Here's some light reading to get you in the mood

Jack Watson29 November 2018 15:26

Team news

Jack Watson29 November 2018 16:41

Arsenal boss Unai Emery has included a number of academy players in his squad to face Vorskla Poltava this evening.

The unfamiliar names of Charlie Gilmour, Zech Medley and Dejan Iliev have taken the places of the more experienced players of AubameyangOzil and Torreira.

"We need to give young players a chance," Emery said.

"The players have been working with us in all sessions and also in pre-season. They are coming with us because we can give them chances."

Michael Jones29 November 2018 16:57

Team news

Vorskla

Shust, Perduta, Dallku, Chesnakov, Artur, Sapai, Skliar, Sharpar, Rebenok, Kulach, Kolomets

Michael Jones29 November 2018 17:05

Arsenal have already qualified for the last 32, but they will clinch top spot in Group E with a victory tonight and Emery will have one eye on next week's Premier League fixtures.

They play Tottenham at home on Sunday and Manchester United away next Wednesday in and the manager will want his squad in top condition for those two fixtures.

Michael Jones29 November 2018 17:14

Uefa moved the location for tonight's game from Poltava to the capital of Kiev because of the introduction of martial law in several regions in Ukraine.

The group stage fixture is due to take place at the capital's Olimpiyskiy Stadium at 17:55.

Arsenal manager Unai Emery said: "First, we need to respect Uefa's decision because I think it's not easy for Vorskla.

"Yesterday we were preparing for the first trip to Poltava and waiting in the evening for the last decision.

"It doesn't change a lot to play here. In 90 minutes it is not a very big change. It is clear they are playing in Ukraine, not in their town, but they can also move their supporters to Kiev.

"In 90 minutes we want to do our work here."

Michael Jones29 November 2018 17:24

Eddie Nketiah makes his first team debut tonight, leading the line for Arsenal. What will he offer the Gunners? 

Michael Jones29 November 2018 17:42

The teams are out on the pitch and we're ready go!

Michael Jones29 November 2018 17:55

Vorskla 0 - 0 Arsenal

Vorskla get the match underway and move the ball out to the right wing. It's crossed into the box and Cech makes an easy catch. 

Michael Jones29 November 2018 17:57

3 mins: Vorskla 0 - 0 Arsenal

Vorskla win a free kick on the right wing. Rebenok flicks it into the space in Arsenal's area and Kolomets is the first to reach the ball. He tries to take a shot but spoons it over the bar. 

Michael Jones29 November 2018 18:00

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