Chelsea welcome Schalke 04 in round 4 of the group stages of the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday night at 1945 hrs BST at Stamford Bridge in London.
Chelsea head into this match looking to bounce back from a humiliating defeat against Newcastle United in the Premier League over the weekend, which has led to a disgruntled Jose Mourinho declaring that many changes will be made in the squad ahead of this encounter.
The home side head Group E of the Champions League on goal difference with 6 points from the first 3 matches and have made good ground after starting their campaign unceremoniously with a 2-0 home defeat against FC Basel.
Striker Samuel Eto’o may be given a chance before Fernando Torres after the Spaniard’s dismal performance against Newcastle. Torres also has a bit of a niggle which the coach will like to rest.
Juan Mata may also sit out this one, to give Andre Schurrle a chance to shine on European stage.
The visitors are likely to try and displace Chelsea from their top spot in the group table where the teams differ only on goal difference.
Schalke will draw confidence from their excellent away form, which has seen them win 6 out of their previous 7 encounters.
They will have to learn the lessons from a 3-0 defeat at the hands of the Chelsea in the reverse fixture last month. This defeat was incidentally their worst ever home defeat in the Champions League.
Youngster Julian Draxler, who has been attracting attention from Arsenal and Manchester United, could be given a starting place in the Schalke team. However, Klaas-Jan Huntelaar will sit out this match with a recurring knee injury.
Schalke 04 are hot on the heels of the current leaders and a loss in this match could lead to an exciting future struggle for the top place in the group for the 2 teams.