Monday, December 5, 2011

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06.12. (Tue) 20:45 Chelsea - Valencia

Andre Villas-Boas
Getty Images

PROBABLE LINEUPS


CHELSEA

Cech
Bosingwa, Ivanovic, Terry, Cole
Meireles, Ramires, Lampard
Sturridge, Drogba, Mata
VALENCIA

Alves
Miguel, Rami, Dealbert, Alba
Costa, Topal
Feghouli, Jonas, Mathieu
Soldado
After being lucky not to be sent off within five minutes and otherwise enduring a difficult afternoon against Newcastle on Saturday, David Luiz may be considered too big a risk to play by Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas, with Jose Bosingwa the likeliest addition and Branislav Ivanovic moving into the centre of defence. Fernando Torres is almost sure to be on the bench once more with Didier Drogba continuing in the central striking role, with no new injury worries to report for the hosts.

The likes of Jonas, Sofiane Feghouli and in-form striker Roberto Soldado were all rested for Valencia by coach Unai Emery for the weekend's 2-1 home win over Espanyol and will surely return for the visit to Stamford Bridge. Central defender Victor Ruiz is unlikely to be able to return yet, with Angel Dealbert set to continue in his place.
DID YOU KNOW?

  • A win would put Chelsea into the last 16, as would a goalless draw, which would see the Blues level with Valencia on points but through due to scoring an away goal in the reverse fixture between the two sides, a 1-1 draw on September 28.
  • Chelsea's 3-0 victory over Newcastle on Saturday was only their second win in five games in all competitions.
  • Valencia are one goal away from recording their 150th strike in the European Cup/Champions League over the years.
  • Fernando Torres is the only player to have scored more than one goal for the Blues in Europe so far this season, having netted twice during a 5-0 triumph over Genk on October 19.
  • The Liga side have won their last two Champions League matches, both at home, first a 3-1 success against Bayer Leverkusen before a 7-0 thumping of the Belgians.
Prediction
The Blues are unlikely to add to their two clean sheets in a row, given their overall defensive record this season and the red-hot form of Roberto Soldado, but they have a manager in Andre Villas-Boas who knows that nothing less than success will do if he is to avoid a serious reevaluation of his position from owner Roman Abramovich.
Editor's Prediction
Chelsea 2-1Valencia