Chelsea vs Schalke: Preview, Team News, Likely Line-Ups, Key Man & Predicted Score
Chelsea take on Schalke at Stamford Bridge tonight looking to go one step closer to qualifying for the knockout stages of the Champions League.
The Blues head into the game sitting top of Group E after recovering from a shock defeat to FC Basel on Matchday 1 to win their next two fixtures, including a 3-0 win over Schalke last time out, and now lead the Germans on goal difference.
Another victory tonight would see Jose Mourinho’s men move onto 9 points and on the verge of qualifying for the next phase, but defeat coupled with a win for Basel in the groups other fixture would leave them sitting in third and in danger of missing out.
Chelsea warmed up for the game with a disappointing 2-0 defeat to Newcastle on Saturday and Mourinho is demanding a response this evening. The Portuguese coach should be confident with his side losing just once in their last 30 Champions League group stage matches at the Bridge.
Team News
Chelsea have been hit with an injury blow ahead of the game with striker Fernando Torres ruled out after picking up a leg injury in training on Monday. Samuel Eto’o is expected to deputise up front.
Left-back Ryan Bertrand is also missing after picking up an injury on Tuesday and he joins Marco van Ginkel on the sidelines.
Mourinho has no other injuries to worry about but is expected to make changes to his line-up following Saturday’s poor performance at St James’ Park.
Schalke are without Marco Hoger and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar who are both ruled out with long-term injuries.
Chinedu Obasi and Kyriakos Papadopoulos are still struggling for match fitness and Jefferson Farfan remains out with a groin injury.
Likely Line-Ups
Key Man
Andre Schurrle: The German should know the opposition well from his time in the Bundesliga and will be hoping to stake his claim for a regular first team berth with a positive display tonight.
Predicted Score
Chelsea 2-0 Schalke: We cant see past a home win here with the Blues moving to within touching distance of the knockout stages.
What team would you like to see selected and what’s your score prediction? Share your views below.
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Ejehsunday
November 6, 2013 at 3:52 pm
Cech, ivanovic, cole, terry, gahill, mikel, Ramirez, oscar, hazard, schurrle, eto’o. Chelsea 2 0 schalke?good luck to them with out torres
thomas
November 6, 2013 at 4:21 pm
chelsea 3 vs schalke 1
Oke Engr abdulwahab
November 6, 2013 at 4:24 pm
Cech. Terry cahill cole invanovic. Lampard ramires. Mata hazard. Willian. Ba
Peter A Jacob
November 6, 2013 at 4:33 pm
Mouriho you are not wrong dropping Luiz,may be he will learn his lesson from this.How i wish u could also drop Lampard for at least five matches.Up Chelsea!Tonight we are winning 4-0.
Eva
November 6, 2013 at 4:56 pm
jose plz drop lampard start mikel chelsea 4 life
Justin chidiex uzoanaekwe
November 6, 2013 at 5:00 pm
All i want 4rm chelsea is 2 win d game and have d 3point
paroo
November 6, 2013 at 5:13 pm
mourinho pls lampard is old nd dosent possess his accurate pass animore…. pls use mikel!
Nkem
November 6, 2013 at 5:18 pm
Goodkuck to chelsea .3 v1 in favour of chelsea
SAMMY
November 6, 2013 at 5:39 pm
Oga jose plss start mikel 4 us bcos lampard is old nd he make ramires 2 over work i dat midfid…..obi is d right choice 4 dat position nw
Ismaheel Olamilekan
November 6, 2013 at 5:48 pm
cech,terry,azipillicuita,ashley cole,cahill,mikel,ramires,willian,oscar,shurlle,ba
udeme aduak
November 6, 2013 at 6:44 pm
cech
ivan .. Cahill… Terry.,cole
willian.. ramirez mikel
schurrle.. oscar hazard .chelsea 4 sharkter 04 1
emmanuel alokwu
November 6, 2013 at 6:47 pm
i want d future to b like dis cech,john terry,cahil,azabiliketa,cole,milkel,ramires,william,osca,shullie,nd ba
richard
November 6, 2013 at 6:56 pm
chelsea till i die my blood is blue up chelsea for lief chelsea 3 schak 0 i lov my club
richard
November 6, 2013 at 7:00 pm
the blues 3 schak 0 gudluck to chelsea
richard
November 6, 2013 at 7:03 pm
chelsea till i die my blood is blue chelsea 3-0 shalk04 up chelsea for life!!!