Chelsea FC welcome Porto to Stamford Bridge for a crucial Champions League clash.
The Blues hold their European fate in their hands as they play host to Jose Mourinho’s former side. There are various permutations that could affect the required results for both teams, but the enduring sentiment is that neither can afford to lose.
Both sides have won three out of their five games thus far and are tied at the top of Group G with 10 points. However, Porto’s victory over Chelsea in the first fixture means that the Portuguese outfit currently occupies the all-important top spot.
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In the group’s other game, Dynamo Kiev welcome Maccabi Tel-Aviv to Ukraine as they also seek to progress to the Round of 16. With Maccabi rock-bottom on zero points, Dynamo are overwhelming favourites to get the victory. Taking this as a given, Porto would consequently need to secure three points tonight to book their spot in the next round (there is a sh*tshow of a scenario that would occur if Chelsea and Porto draw which results in this).
This is where the West Londoners’ situation becomes more tricky. Porto, despite leading the group at the moment, know that they need to win this match if they want to progress. As a result, they will be throwing everything but the proverbial kitchen sink at the Blues defence.
Oh god.
Chelsea’s defence has been awful in this campaign so far. This is not singling out the back four, mind, but a reflection of the team’s collective failure to defend as a unit. To be fair, this has improved in recent weeks but the concession of one goal in the last four fixtures does little to bolster the fans’ confidence in the team holding out for 90 minutes on Europe’s biggest stage.
Last season, there would be no concern heading into this contest as the bus would back its way onto the Stamford Bridge pitch. However, this season’s bus is missing the bus part.
All this makes for what will undoubtedly be a tense and emotional atmosphere at Stamford Bridge, so here is all you need to know.
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Team News
Chelsea will be relieved as they welcome back the vastly experienced John Terry for tonight’s match. The club’s Captain, Leader, Legend will be relied upon to direct and drive the team from the heart of the defence as Porto barrage the Blues.
Ramires is also available for selection after a minor injury but Radamel Falcao is still a few weeks out from full fitness.
Porto coach Julen Lopetegui, meanwhile, has included highly-rated midfielder Giannelli Imbula in his squad. The Frenchman was linked with a move to Chelsea over the summer and after some injury struggles he will be raring to prove his worth.
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Key Details
Chelsea FC v Porto, 9th December 2015
Venue: Stamford Bridge
Times: 19:45 GMT, 14:45 ET
TV: BT Sport Europe (UK), WATCH ESPN and various regional stations (US), check your country’s local listings here
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The last fixture between these two ended 2-1 in the Portuguese team’s favour. Could the club that made Jose Mourinho dump him out of the Champions League and potentially cost him his job?
Let us know your thoughts and predictions in the comments below!