Tuesday, October 18, 2011

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19.10. (Wed) 20:45 Chelsea - Racing Genk

EPL - Chelsea v Everton, Daniel Sturridge and Ashley Cole
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 PROBABLE LINEUPS

CHELSEA

CechBosingwa, David Luiz, Terry, Cole
Malouda, Meireles, LampardSturridge, Torres, Mata
GENK

KotelesNgongca, Masuero, Vanden Borre, Pudil
Hyland, De Bruyne, Buffel
TozserOgunjimi, Barda
 
Chelsea's only new injury concern is Ramires who picked up a knee problem against Everton at the weekend and is likely to be replaced by Florent Malouda.
After a suspect performance against Everton, John Obi Mikel could be replaced by Raul Meireles, who will sit back and protect the defence.
Andre Villas-Boas is likely to start Fernando Torres, who is currently serving a domestic suspension but will be ready to go in this encounter.
Genk will be without Jose Nadson, Torben Joneleit, Jelle Vossen and Jeroen Simaeys due to them all being sidelined through injury.
DID YOU KNOW?

  • This is the first ever encounter between the two teams. This is also the first occasion in which Genk are playing against English opposition in England.
  • Villas-Boas has experience against Genk after his former team Porto beat them 7-2 over two legs last season in the Europa League.  
  • While Chelsea are in good domestic form, winning their last three games, Genk are suffering from a poor run - occupying ninth position in the Belgian League.
  • Chelsea’s summer target Kevin De Bruyne looks set to start against the team who were on the verge of signing the young midfielder in the summer.
  • Genk have not scored in this year's Champions League and have scored only twice in their last four games in all competitions. Chelsea, however, have bagged an impressive tally of 13.
  • The Blues haven’t conceded a goal in three European home matches against Belgian teams and have subsequently won all three games.
  • Genk have the worst pass completion rate in this year's Champions League.
Prediction
The odds are stacked up against the Belgian side with Chelsea in good form and playing on home turf. Villas-Boas has warned his team of complacency, citing the "individual talent" of Genk’s players as a cause for concern. However, an upset does seem unlikely.
Editor's Prediction
Chelsea 3-0 KRC Genk