Venue: BayArena, Leverkusen
Date: Wednesday, 23 November 2011
Kick-off: 1945 GMT
Here we go then, a break from the Premier League so we don’t have to crane our necks from a position so far off the top. In the Champions League, we’re in an altogether better position really – or at least we would be with a win tonight!
Leverkusen seem to be having a better time than we are domestically though and of the two clubs, you’d have to say they might tip the balance on confidence going into this one.
MANAGERS’ VIEWS
Ahead of tonight’s return game, Leverkusen coach Robin Dutt says “We have to beat the money. We have home advantage now but don’t forget we put in a good performance in London. We remember that, and we know that Chelsea haven’t been doing very well recently. They’ve dropped points. We have respect for their players, but they’re under a certain pressure and I believe my lads can do it in this game. We know it’s important for this club in terms of the finances to progress, but also for the players. It’s one thing to play in the group stage, but another to get through to the knockout. We see this a special opportunity, at home, to get into the last 16.”
Following our latest defeat in the Premier League, Andre Villas-Boas says “The most important thing is finding winning ways straightaway. If possible against Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League. That is a massive game. It looks bad for us at this moment. It has not been the brightest of starts – the worst for quite some time. But we have to have belief and believe in the work to get back to winning ways. The players have immense talent and I believe in them.”
SQUAD NEWS
For Leverkusen, Renato Augusto, Michael Ortega, Tranquillo Barnetta, and Rene Adler (all knee) are ruled out, with Karim Bellarabi and Hanno Balitsch (both thigh)unlikely to make the squad either. Andre Schurrle (flu) is expected to return though.
For Chelsea, Essien (knee) remains out long-term although Alex and Mikel have both shaken off back problems. Anelka, Ferreira and Lukaku haven’t travelled.
TEAM
CHELSEA (from): Cech, Bosingwa, Ivanovic, Terry, Alex, Cole, Luiz, Mikel, Romeu, Ramires, Lampard, Mata, Malouda, Meireles, McEachran, Torres, Drogba, Kalou, Sturridge, Turnbull, Hilario.
LAST MEETING
Chelsea 2-0 Leverkusen (13th September 2011)
PREDICTION
We’re not in the best possible ‘moment’ right now domestically and I have a horrible feeling we have to get a bit further up the street before we’re ready to turn the corner. Not optimistic of a win to be honest.
Blue is the colour
