UEFA Champions League: Chelsea vs Shakhtar Donetsk Preview

London, Nov 7: Chelsea are in a must-win situation against Shakhtar Donetsk, who beat them in the reverse fixture in Ukraine, after collecting just four points in three games in the UEFA Champions League.

The holders have the home backing but face a side who beat them 2-1 on matchday three. The Blues drew their first game at the Bridge against Juventus but are aiming to hit back and clinch three points against a tricky Shakhtar side who would hope to create another upset.

However, Chelsea have an incredible home record in the competition going 27 games unbeaten since 2001 while Shakhtar still search for their first win on English soil.

Roberto Di Matteo confirmed that left-back Ashley Cole is unavailable for the tie due to a hamstring injury and will be replaced by young Ryan Bertrand. David Luiz returns after missing out the league game with Swansea while influential playmaker Juan Mata could also feature at Stamfor Bridge.

Frank Lampard is still sidelined due to a calf injury while John Terry is available but Di Matteo feels he may not be match-fit after serving his four-match domestic ban.

Shakhtar coach, Mircea Lucescu has a full squad to choose from without injury concerns.

Trivia:

*Chelsea have not lost at home in the UEFA Champions League since 2011 when Manchester United beat them 1-0.

*Chelsea have conceded 101 goals in the Champions League.

*The game against the defending champions will be Shakhtar's 50th UEFA Champions League game.

Probable Lineups:

Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Cech-Ivanovic, Cahill, Luiz, Cole-Ramires, Mikel-Oscar, Mata, Hazard-Torres.

Shakhtar Donetsk (4-2-3-1): Pyatov-Srna, Chygrynskiy, Rakitskiy, Rat-Hubschman, Fernandinho-Willian, Mkhitaryan, Teixeira-Luiz Adriano.

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