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Champions League Preview: Porto-Chelsea

Top two in Group D collide in Portugal.

Nov 24, 2009 7:39:33 PM

Nicolas Anelka and Bruno Alves battle through the rain as Chelsea face Porto (PA)

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Nicolas Anelka and Bruno Alves battle through the rain as Chelsea face Porto (PA)

Teams

By Alan Dawson

Kick-off: Wednesday, November 25, 2009 - 20:45 GMT
Estadio de Dragao, Portugal

The leaders of Group D in the Champions League travel to Portugal to take on the runners-up and Chelsea will be acutely aware that they can solidify their position at the top of the charts by beating their nearest rival, FC Porto, with a game in hand.

The Dragoes will look to exact revenge, as Chelsea defeated Porto during the competition's introductory group game, however, they have emerged as one of the form sides, as they have accumulated maximum points ever since.

Both sides are reeling from injuries, as a core component of Chelsea's spine; Frank Lampard, Didier Drogba, and Michael Ballack remain in doubt, while Christian Rodriguez - who has not yet been granted a consistent run in the Porto's senior XI due to a series of injuries, may also be watching from the behind the bench.

Regardless of the result, Porto will not have to be wary of any increased threat from third or fourth place, as Atletico Madrid trail by seven points. Pride, and a potentially easier path in the knock-out stages, are therefore at stake.

FORM GUIDE

Porto

Maritimo 1-0 Porto
Apoel Nicosia 0-1 Porto
Porto 1-1 Belenenses
Porto 3-2 Academica de Coimbra
Porto 2-1 Apoel

Chelsea

Chelsea 4-0 Wolverhampton Wanderers
Chelsea 1-0 Manchester United
Atletico Madrid 2-2 Chelsea
Bolton Wanderers 0-4 Chelsea
Chelsea 4-0 Bolton Wanderers

TEAM NEWS

Porto

Jesualdo Ferreira will likely be able to field a similar team-shape to the XI that recently took to the field against Maritimo.

Fernando Bellusch, though, a ball-pinging midfielder, could return to the pitch.

Last starting XI (vs. Maritimo 4-3-3): Helton, Sapunaru, Rolando, Bruno Alves, Pereira, Fernando, Guarin, Raul Meireles, Hulk, Falcao, Rodriguez.

Chelsea

Didier Drogba, Michael Essien, and Michael Ballack will all face late fitness tests to assess their availability.

Vice-captain Frank Lampard should be given the all-clear for the weekend, but a midweek tie may be too soon for the player suffering from a thigh muscle strain.

Jose Bosingwa is sidelined until the New Year.

Last starting XI (vs. Wolves 4-2-3-1) Cech, Belletti, Alex, Terry, A Cole, Essien, Mikel, Malouda, J Cole, Kalou, Anelka.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Porto

Much had been made of Freddy Guarin during his time in South America, and the spotlight will once again be on the burgeoning Colombian as he will be tasked with dominating the midfield region.

Chelsea

Flair attacker Joe Cole will be able to prove to manager Carlo Ancelotti he is worthy of a first-team role while a trident of high-profile Blue midfielders continue to be nursed back from injury. The Englishman is capable of producing a moment of magic out of nothing.

PREDICTION

Porto 1-2 Chelsea

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