Chelsea vs Porto
Competition: UEFA Champions League
Date: 9th December, 2015
Kick off: 19:45 pm BST
Venue: Stamford Bridge, London
Live Stream: Watch Chelsea vs Porto live online
Chelsea host the Portuguese giants Porto in a crunch Champions League game at Stamford Bridge later today.
After a dismal start to their season, the Blues were seemingly on their way up. However a humiliating defeat against Bournemouth last week has rocked the Premier League champion ahead of a decisive European encounter.
Jose Mourinho and his side will be hoping to bounce back against Porto, but considering the form of both sides, it should be quite difficult for the Blues.
Chelsea require one point to qualify for the knockouts and a draw will be enough to take them through to the next round.
However, if the home side falls to defeat against Porto, it would mean that Kyiv can qualify to the next round with a win.
Jose Mourinho is hanging on to his job by the skin of his teeth and will be hoping that his former side Porto can do him a favour tonight.
The Londoners side simply cannot afford to lose tonight, with the pressure on coach Jose Mourinho increasing by the week.
As for Porto, their destiny remains in their own hands and the away side will undoubtedly be looking for a result that will see them progress to the knockout stages of Europe’s elite competition.
Porto will need to win in order to secure qualification. But should they draw, they will have to hope that Dynamo Kiev do not beat Maccabi Tel Aviv in the group’s other game.
Chelsea vs Porto Team News
Belgian keeper Thibaut Courtois is expected to continue in goal after making his long-awaited return from injury against Bournemouth at the weekend, but Radamel Falcao and Ramires will be missing through injury.
After sustaining an ankle injury in the win over Maccabi, captain John Terry could miss out against Porto.
Terry’s absence could be a major blow for Mourinho, whose side have been struggling defensively.
The likes of Brahimi and Aboubakar are in good form off late and could exploit the home side’s defensive frailties in the absence of their best defender and leader.
Porto coach Lopetegui will have a fully fit squad to choose from and should have all of his preferred starters ready for the trip to Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea vs Porto Starting Lineups
Chelsea possible starting lineup: Courtois, Ivanovic, Cahill, Zouma, Azpilicueta, Matic, Fabregas, Pedro, Hazard, Willian, Costa.
Porto possible starting lineup: Casillas, Maxi Pereira, Maicon, Marcano, Martins Indi, Andre, Pereira, Rúben Neves, Imbula, Brahimi, Aboubakar.
Chelsea vs Porto Key Stats
Chelsea have won their last 3 home matches against Porto in all competitions.
Chelsea are undefeated in 12 of their last 13 matches in the Champions League (including qualifiers).
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