Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho will be confident that his beleaguered stars can continue on from their victory over Norwich at the weekend to go one step towards qualification for the next stage of the Champions League against Israeli giants Maccabi Tel Aviv.
The Blues ended a run of three straight defeats by overcoming Norwich, which will hopefully have demonstrated their desire to correct their sliding form and get back on track following a slow start.
But in form or not, Chelsea will surely have too much quality for Maccabi, and win coupled with a Porto victory over Dynamo Kiev, will see The Blues book their place in the next round.
GK: Asmir Begovic
Courtois still isn’t fit enough to return, so Begovic will take his place in between the sticks once again.
LB: Cesar Azpilicueta
The Spaniard has been quiet this season, but given his position that’s probably a good thing.
CB: John Terry
The veteran will be charged with leading by example alongside a new defensive partner.
CB: Kurt Zouma
Mourinho could use this game as an opportunity to rest Gary Cahill to give Zouma more of a taste of Champions League action.
RB: Branislav Ivanovic
The veteran Serb has played his way back into the side lately, but how much of that is down to the side’s problems at left-back?
DM: Nemanja Matic
Matic has been consistent so far this season, and will protect Cesc Fabregas when he goes forward.
CM: Cesc Fabregas
Still yet to hit top form, but he’s getting there…
AM: Eden Hazard
Likely to be moved into the middle to see if he will have any more joy from there.
LAM: Willian
Chelsea’s best player this season by far, and will be called upon to cover Hazard on the left.
RAM: Pedro
His huge wealth of Champions League experience will give the side a huge advantage.
ST: Diego Costa
His goal on Saturday will hopefully have given him a huge shot of confidence as he could impose himself on Maccabi’s back line.