Monday, October 31, 2011

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01.11. (Tue) 20:45 Racing Genk - Chelsea

UEFA Champions League, Fernando Torres, Chelsea v Racing Genk
Getty images

PROBABLE LINEUPS

GENK

Koteles
Ngongca, Vanden Borre, Nadson, Pudil
Buffel, De Bruyne, Hyland
Tozser
Ogunjimi, Barda
CHELSEA

Cech
Bosingwa, Terry, David Luiz, Cole
Lampard, Mikel, Meireles
Sturridge, Torres, Mata
Genk manager Mario Been has no fresh injury worries following his side’s pulsating nine-goal thriller with Brugge at the weekend, which they won 5-4. However, the Belgian side are still without Jeroen Simaeys. Raul Meireles looks set to deputise for Ramires, after the Portuguese midfielder was rested for much of the weekend’s game against Arsenal. Michael Essien remains sidelined with a knee injury.
Didier Drogba will be available for selection again after serving one game of his three match ban against the Gunners, following his sending off for a poorly timed lunge at Adel Taarabt. However, Fernando Torres is likely to keep his place in the side.
DID YOU KNOW?


  • This is just the second ever meeting between the two teams, the first of course being just two weeks ago at Stamford Bridge, where Chelsea ran out emphatic 5-0 winners thanks to a Fernando Torres brace.
  • Neither side has been in scintillating form domestically. Chelsea are nine points off early season pace-setters Manchester City, whilst Genk sit 6th in the Belgian league.
  • Genk go into the game having completed an amazing turnaround against Brugge at the weekend, coming from 4-2 down to win the game 5-4.
  • Fernando Torres will be hoping to get the nod ahead of Didier Drogba, the Spaniard has scored more goals against Genk than any other team in his time at Chelsea.
  • Despite their weekend heroics, Genk have managed just two wins in their last seven games in all competitions.
  • Chelsea boast the second best defensive record in the Champions League this season, conceding just one goal. Only Real Madrid can better that.
  • Genk are yet to score in this year’s Champions League, where as their counterparts have already bagged eight goals in three games.
  • Not only do Chelsea boast the second best defensive record in the competition, they also have the second best attacking record, only bettered by last year’s champions Barcelona.
  • Villas-Boas has experience of Genk outside of his Chelsea career, having masterminded a 7-2 aggregate victory over them in his time as Porto manager.
  • Genk have never been further than the Champions League group stages.

Prediction
The weekend’s results don’t really offer a true reflection of the two team’s respective form books. Villas-Boas' men will be looking to bounce back and prove Saturday's derby defeat was just a blip and should maintain their good form in Europe.
Editor's Prediction
KRC Genk 0-2 Chelsea