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Played
March 15, 2013 1:35 AM IST
Stamford Bridge — London
Referee: S. Lannoy
Attendance: 28817
March 15, 2013 1:35 AM IST
Stamford Bridge — London
Referee: S. Lannoy
Attendance: 28817
Chelsea - Steaua Bucharest Preview: Blues eye home comforts in bid to book quarter-final spot
Last year's Champions League victors must overturn a 1-0 deficit to progress, but will be confident of success after going unbeaten Stamford Bridge in Europe this term
By Tim Poole
Fernando Torres should lead the line with Demba Ba cup-tied, while John Terry should return at the heart of Chelsea's defence.
John Obi Mikel and Eden Hazard made distinct impacts as second-half substitutes against Sir Alex Ferguson's charges, so are likely to start from the off on Thursday.
Meanwhile, Steaua coach Laurentiu Reghecampf may be tempted to stick with the same starting line-up that beat Chelsea in the first leg in Romania.
However, Reghecampf may have the opportunity to tinker if Daniel Georgievski can recover in time from a fibula injury.
Elsewhere, forward Stefan Nikolic could also return from a knee problem, while Brazilian striker Adi Rocha is waiting in the wings to deputise.
| DID YOU KNOW? |
Steaua's first-leg victory over Chelsea represented the first ever competitive meeting between the two sides.
- Frank Lampard has registered the most Chelsea appearances in Uefa competitions, having played over 100 times in Europe for the Blues. He is 7/4 to score anytime with Coral.
- In four European home games this season, Chelsea are yet to taste defeat with two wins and two draws.
- The Blues' top scorer in European competition this term is Oscar. The Brazilian has scored six times in total, with his last goal coming against Sparta Prague in the last-32 first leg.
- As well as topping their Europa League group this season, Steaua Bucharest are 12 points clear at the top of their domestic league.
- Steaua have also won their last five games in all competitions.
- The Romanian side overturned a 2-0 first-leg deficit against Ajax in the last 32, eventually clinching the tie 4-2 on penalties.
- Striker Raul Rusescu (pictured right) scored the winner against Chelsea six days ago and has notched 18 league goals this season, also striking four times in the Europa League.
Field Report
Reader's Predictions
Top 3 Predictions
-
Chelsea FC 3-0 Steaua
- 24.55 %
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Chelsea FC 2-0 Steaua
- 17.94 %
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Chelsea FC 3-1 Steaua
- 12.43 %
| Europa League (EL) | 15-Mar-2013 | Chelsea FC 3 - Steaua 1 |
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| Europa League (EL) | 07-Mar-2013 | Steaua 1 - Chelsea FC 0 |
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Chelsea FC
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| 24-May-2013 | Chelsea FC 3 - Manchester City 4 | FR |
| 19-May-2013 | Chelsea FC 2 - Everton 1 | EPL |
| 16-May-2013 | Benfica 1 - Chelsea FC 2 | EL |
| 11-May-2013 | Aston Villa 1 - Chelsea FC 2 | EPL |
| 09-May-2013 | Chelsea FC 2 - Tottenham 2 | EPL |
Steaua
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| 15-Mar-2013 | Chelsea FC 3 - Steaua 1 | EL |
| 07-Mar-2013 | Steaua 1 - Chelsea FC 0 | EL |
| 22-Feb-2013 | Steaua 2 - Ajax 0 | EL |
| 14-Feb-2013 | Ajax 2 - Steaua 0 | EL |
| 06-Dec-2012 | Copenhagen 1 - Steaua 1 | EL |
| 1 | Petr Cech | Goalkeeper |
| 3 | Ashley Cole | Defender |
| 4 | David Luiz | Defender |
| 26 | John Terry | Defender |
| 28 | César Azpilicueta | Defender |
| 7 | Ramires | Midfielder |
| 11 | Oscar | Midfielder |
| 12 | John Obi Mikel | Midfielder |
| 17 | Eden Hazard | Midfielder |
| 9 | Fernando Torres | Striker |
| 10 | Juan Mata | Striker |
| 22 | Ross Turnbull | Goalkeeper |
| 19 | Paulo Ferreira | Defender |
| 24 | Gary Cahill | Defender |
| 34 | Ryan Bertrand | Defender |
| 8 | Frank Lampard | Midfielder |
| 13 | Victor Moses | Midfielder |
| 10 | Yossi Benayoun | Midfielder |
| 12 | Ciprian Anton Tatarusanu | Goalkeeper |
| 4 | Łukasz Szukala | Defender |
| 14 | Iasmin Latovlevici | Defender |
| - | Cornel Râpă | Defender |
| 21 | Vlad Iulian Chiricheş | Defender |
| 5 | Mihai Doru Pintilii | Midfielder |
| 7 | Alexandru Mihăiţă Chipciu | Midfielder |
| 10 | Cristian Tanase | Defender |
| 55 | Alexandru Bourceanu | Midfielder |
| 77 | Adrian Popa I | Midfielder |
| 24 | Raul Andrei Rusescu | Striker |
| 1 | Razvan Marian Stanca | Goalkeeper |
| 6 | Florin Gardoş | Defender |
| 8 | Lucian Ionuţ Filip | Defender |
| 11 | Andrei Prepelita | Midfielder |
| - | Gabriel Cristian Iancu | Midfielder |
| - | Leandro Ângelo Martins | Striker |
| 99 | Adi | Striker |
Results
Times In IST
Live
Final
scheduled
Suspended
Cancelled
Postponed
Match News
Top Scorers
| Player | Goals | Penalties | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Libor Kozák Striker Lazio |
10 | 0 |
|
Ó. Cardozo Striker Benfica |
8 | 3 |
|
Rodrigo Palacio Striker Inter |
8 | 0 |
|
Eto'o Striker Anzhi |
7 | 2 |
|
Edinson Cavani Striker Napoli |
7 | 2 |