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CHELSEA v Napoli: Champions League Preview

Venue: Stamford Bridge

Date: Wednesday 14 March

Kick-off: 1945 GMT

 

Despite going into this tie 3-1 down from the first leg, one or two of our players have talked the talk about our chances of coming away with a result.  So there’s not a lot else to say ahead of the game really except it’s time for them to walk the walk.

 

 

MANAGERS’ VIEWS

Going into tonight’s game, Roberto Di Matteo makes no promises although remains optimistic in terms of the performance he thinks he’ll get, saying “We will have to be balanced, obviously, because their threat on counter-attacking is very good and they have some players that can hurt you.  When they come here on Wednesday, they will play against a good team, a great team, and we will make their life difficult. We have to believe that we can turn this around.”

Napoli’s Walter Mazzarri – whose ban has been suspended long enough for him to take a part in the night – says “We’ve still got a lot of work to do.  We’re going to have to play to the limit for the entire 90 minutes.  This squad has a defect in that it’s not able to maintain its level for all 90 minutes.  We are ready for the battle of London. Chelsea will look to run the game but we will fight them by playing a high line. We must look for the goal.”

 

 

SQUAD NEWS

For Chelsea, the squad news couldn’t possibly be better with Bosingwa (hamstring) still out and Raul Meireles suspended.

For Napoli, Juan Camilo Zuniga may start ahead of Andrea Dossena at left wing back, while Christian Maggio is likely to feature on the right. Marek Hamsik and Ezequiel Lavezzi will start alongside Edinson Cavani in attack.

 

 

TEAM

Chelsea (from): Cech, Bosingwa, Ivanovic, Luiz, Cahill, Cole, Bertrand, Romeu, Mikel, Essien, Ramires, Lampard, Mata, Malouda, Drogba, Torres, Sturridge, Kalou, Turnbull.

 

 

LAST MEETING

Napoli 3-1 Chelsea (21st February 2012)

 

 

PREDICTION

I’ve tried not to focus too hard on the possible outcomes of this game, not just because we have a 3-1 scoreline to overcome but because the fact is we’ve won just 3 of our 7 Champions League games this season and whilst we won 3 home games, we’ve failed to score in our last 3 Champions League home games in the kockout stages. Add to that Napoli seem to be scoring for fun in the league right now and here’s one supporter not convinced we’ll be in Europe at the end of the day.

Win Champions League final tickets courtesy of Heineken

 

Heineken is proud to serve you the finest soccer in the world.  Enjoy the artistry of the greatest players producing the most dramatic and impressive moments of the UEFA Champions League – the pinnacle of Club soccer.

As you make your UEFA Champions League match day plans, be sure to keep it legendary with Heineken.  When you sit down to enjoy today’s match action, be sure to grab your mobile phone and text UEFA to 88500.

2 Grand Prize winners will receive a trip-for-two to the UEFA Champions League final in Munch, Germany on May 19, 2012 while 30 First Prize winners will receive a flat screen TV.

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