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| PROBABLE LINEUPS |
BAYER LEVERKUSEN  Leno Castro, Friedrich, Toprak, Kadlec Bender, Rolfes Sam, Ballack, Schurrle Kiessling | CHELSEA  Cech Ivanovic, Luiz, Terry, Cole Mikel Ramires, Lampard Mata, Drogba, Malouda |
Leverkusen's Andre Schurrle was sidelined with influenza on Friday, but is expected to return to action for the Chelsea match. Karim Bellarabi and Hanno Balitsch are also anticipated to be left out of the matchday squad due to thigh problems. Long-term casualties Renato Augusto, Michael Ortega, Tranquillo Barnetta, and Rene Adler are all ruled out of the game due to knee injuries.
Didier Drogba returned to action for Chelsea on Sunday, having recovered from an elbow knock. He will be available for selection, as will Alex and John Obi Mikel, who have shaken off back problems. The big absentee from CFC's line-up is Michael Essien, who has been out since the pre-season due to knee ligament damage.
| DID YOU KNOW? |
- Bayer Leverkusen have won just two of their 16 matches against English opposition, losing 10.
- Bayer midfielder Michael Ballack left Chelsea in the summer of 2010 after four seasons with the Blues, and now is in his second spell at the Bundesliga side.
- B04 have won their first two matches at the BayArena in the Champions League. In their last foray in Europe's elite competition, which came seven years ago, they won all three home games in the group stage.
- Chelsea striker Fernando Torres' solitary strike in the Euro 2008 final condemned Ballack to defeat in the last international tournament game of the German's career.
- Andre Villas-Boas' side have won seven of their 12 matches against German opposition, losing just three.
- The Blues have lost just one of their last nine Champions League group games, winning and drawing four apiece.
- CFC have reached the Champions League knock-out rounds for eight consecutive seasons. They could confirm their advancement with a win on Wednesday.
Based on form, the hosts just might be able to escape with a draw. In their first match at Stamford Bridge the Germans had one goal controversially disallowed, and had many other chances to equalise before Juan Mata's last-gasp strike to make it 2-0. Chelsea have a considerable pedigree in the Champions League, though, and go into the match as favourites.
Editor's Prediction
Leverkusen 2-2 Chelsea 
