Spanish Armada look to give Chelsea the Blues

Chelsea FC v Valencia CF

It’s squeeky bum time in the UEFA Champions League tonight as Chelsea host Spanish giants Valencia, with a winner takes all outcome.

Andre Villas-Boas’ men sit second in their group – behind Bayer Leverkusen – and are level on points with their La Liga rivals.

Right back Jose Bosingwa is a doubt for the Blues ahead of the tie, with Branislav Ivanovic a likely replacement. Michael Essien is still out until next year whilst youngster Josh McEachran is nursing an injury.

Chelsea come off the back of an impressive 3-0 away win against Newcastle United on Saturday, and an earlier kick-off of 12:45 meant they had just a little more time to rest and prepare for this match.

Meanwhile, Valencia sit third in the league table having only lost once away all season. Roberto Soldado is in a rich run of form and will be keen to score against Chelsea again as he did in the weekend’s 2-1 win over RCD Espanyol.

 

                                           Chelsea                                                          Valencia

 

Key player:                      Juan Mata                                                     Roberto Soldado

Top scorer (league):       Daniel Sturridge (7)                                      Roberto Soldado (9)

Last match:                      WIN 0-3 Newcastle Utd                                WIN 2-1 Espanyol

Prediction:                       Chelsea 3-0 Valencia CF

First goal scorer:             Branislav Ivanovic

 

Aaron Aquilina
@P_D_L_P