Champions League - NK Maribor vs Chelsea

The reverse fixture a fortnight previous ended in a rout for the visitors on the day. The Blues triumphed 6-0 courtesy of goals from Loic Remy, Didier Drogba, John Terry, a brace from Eden Hazard, and an own goal from Maribor defender Mitja Viler.










Meanwhile, in the group's other match between Schalke and Sporting in Germany, the home side, managed by former Chelsea boss Roberto Di Matteo, triumphed 4-3 in a dramatic and indeed controversial affair that saw the Bundesliga outfit awarded a dubious stoppage-time penalty to take all three points.
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As a result, Wednesday's game becomes very important, if not critical, to the hosts' future in this competition. Indeed, a Chelsea win, coupled with a Schalke victory over Sporting in Lisbon the same day, will put the Germans 6 points ahead of the Slovenians with a far superior goal difference with just 2 group games remaining, all but ending their hopes of advancing to the next round. Alternatively, such a win for the Blues, regardless of the outcome in the clash in Portugal, would see them mathematically qualify for the Round of 16 after the New Year, though top spot itself will still require one more win in the 2 remaining matchweeks to secure.










Injured for the Blues remains Loic Remy, who is not expected to be fit and available again until after the upcoming International break, while whether midfielder John Obi Mikel will have recovered from his knock in time to feature midweek remains to be seen.

A vital game, in terms of CL.
Win here and we're basically through to the next round.


Sub out Oscar, Hazard and Fabregas if we can get a decent early lead.

Kick wrote:A vital game, in terms of CL.
Win here and we're basically through to the next round.

Courtois
Ivanovic Zouma Terry Azpiliceuta
Fabregas Matic
Schurrle Oscar Hazard
Drogba

Sub out Oscar, Hazard and Fabregas if we can get a decent early lead.

Big 'if' for this side. But agree, it would be ideal. They were dire at ours so let's hope it resumes there. As much rest for as many key players for the Pool game would be excellent.

I know, it is a big if, especially away, BUT it's not impossible.

Resting players is ideal, hence why Cahill, Willian and Costa shouldn't start.

Agree. That team should be able to put this lot away, home or away.

I would like to rest someone in the Pivot but I am not sure we can afford it.

Good preview Shed! I hope we won't tire Hazard and co before the pool match

Soul wrote:Good preview Shed! I hope we won't tire Hazard and co before the pool match

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Just full of lies today aren't you?


It's one of my worst ever
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Had to flog myself to even make it.

Haha well not your best but it still has your template/style. Too matches at a short amount of time huh?

Yes
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5 in 13 days including 3 in the last 7. Have to be able to cut corners somewhere.

haha well keep it up mate, we really appreciate the effort you put into the section

I can make the one against Liverpool

Here is a banner, already.

#replaceShedwithKick

Soul wrote:haha well keep it up mate, we really appreciate the effort you put into the section

Cheers Souly
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Kick wrote:I can make the one against Liverpool

Here is a banner, already.

Soul wrote:#replaceShedwithKick

Careful what you wish for, my friend. A glimpse at the last time Kick attempted to make a matchday thread....
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Spoiler:

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Looks quality to me

Shed wrote:

Kick wrote:Looks quality to me

I like to see Oscar rested in this game, he was one of the few starters that played in our COC game last Tuesday.

Cech
Azpi Cahill Terry Luis
Matic Cesc
Schurrle Willian Hazard
Drogba

Perhaps drop Willian too, Bring Ramires, Mikel or Ake in and Push Cesc to AM.

Still looks good enough to beat them.

Looks good to me

Let Cech play and I'll be happy.