By Ben Sutherland from Crystal Palace, London, UK (DSC01396) , via Wikimedia CommonsChelsea FC head to Slovenia to take on NK Maribor in the UEFA Champions League, their 2nd and final match against the Slovenia side, whom they hammered 6-0 in the first meeting last month. The 6-0 scoreline wasn’t all roses for Chelsea though, as Loic Remy came off injured after scoring and remains out, he did not travel with the side to Slovenia. Furthermore, defender Branislav Ivanovic believes Maribor will be a much tougher side because of that scoreline.
"The game we won in London 6-0 will make it harder tomorrow, because the approach from Maribor will be completely different. I have played here with my national team and the atmosphere will be very hot. All the supporters, all the city and all the country live for that.- Chelsea FC defender Branislav Ivanovic"
Chelsea will hope to secure another victory in Group G action, where Chelsea currently lead FC Schalke by 2 points.
Chelsea FC Team News:
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has ruled out John Obi Mikel and Loic Remy for the match against Maribor, Remy still suffering from the injury sustained Maribor in October. Mikel injured his knee against Manchester United. Remy is expected to return following the upcoming international break, whereas Mikel’s status is a little bit murkier. Diego Costa played 70 some minutes at the weekend, and despite not scoring he looked good. Didier Drogba finished the match for the Blues. I would expect to see Costa lead the line to start. Cesar Azpilicueta is clear to return to the team, his 3 match ban from the FA has expired, so expect him to return to the side.
Chelsea FC Predicted Starting XI:
———————Courtois——————-
—Azpi——-Cahill——JT———Ivanovic
————–Matic——-Fabregas———–
–Willian———–Oscar————Hazard-
———————-Costa———————-
Predicted Result:
NK Maribor 1-3 Chelsea FC
I believe Diego Costa and Cesc Fabregas will terrorize the Maribor back 4, and the Blues will roll over their Slovenian counterparts, although not by the same gaudy scoreline as before.
UTC!
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