The Chelsea vs Steaua Bucharest Champions League match will be held this Wednesday, December 11, 2013 (11:45 AM) at Stamford Bridge. Although the final Champions League Group E game between English giants Chelsea and Romanian Champions Steaua Bucharest might be a dead rubber in theory, a lot is at stake for both sides. Chelsea have already progressed into the knock-out rounds, while Steaua do not stand a chance of making it into the next stage of the tournament or indeed the Europa League.
However, the Blues will want to claim all three points in order to confirm their position as group leaders going into the knock-out phase with a probability of facing a potentially weaker opponent, while Steaua will be looking to salvage some pride before being eliminated from the tournament.
Chelsea FC
Chelsea have a couple of injury problems heading into the game, as the likes of David Luiz and Oscar are doubtful for the clash. Andrea Schurrle was forced off with a calf injury in the weekend defeat against Stoke City and it remains to be seen whether the German will be fit in time for the match.
Ashley Cole may be handed a start at left-back in place of Cesar Azpilicueta, while Frank Lampard could be deployed in midfield. Willian may also be handed a start if Schurrle does not recover from his injury.
Fernando Torres looks set to make way for Samuel Eto’o in attack, after the Spaniard started all three Premier League matches in the week. Other than those changes, Mourinho looks set to name a similar side that lost against Stoke City on Saturday.
Steaua Bucharest
Steaua will be out midfielders Alexandru Bourceanu and Lucian Filip for the clash. Steaua skipper, Bourceanu, will be missing due to suspension, while Filip will be out with an ankle injury. Nicolae Stanciu looks set to replace Bourceanu in midfield.
With the exclusion of Bourceanu, Steaua manager Laurențiu Reghecampf will most probably go with the same side which put up a spirited performance against Schalke in the previous gameweek.
Probable Lineups
Chelsea FC (Probable XI): Cech; Cole, Terry, Cahill, Ivanovic; Willian, Ramires, Lampard, Mata, Hazard; Eto’o
Steaua Bucharest (Probable XI): Tătăruşanu; Georgievski, Szukała, Gardoş, Latovlevici; Chipciu, Prepeliţă, Neagu, Stanciu, Tănase; Piovaccari
Form
Chelsea FC: W L W W L
Steaua Bucharest: D D D D D
Last Meeting
01/10/13 Steaua Bucharest 0 – 4 Chelsea
Chelsea vs Steaua Bucharest Prediction
Chelsea have more to play for in the clash and look a stronger outfit on paper than the Romanian side. The Blues have not been at their best in the Champions League this season, but they tend to get the job done. Mourinho will be looking for a reaction from his side after the disappointing loss against Stoke City on Saturday.
Steaua have not been in the greatest of forms as well and their last victory came way back in October. However, after being mauled in the initial matches in the Champions League, Laurențiu Reghecampf’s men have given a good account of themselves in the last couple of games.
Chelsea look too strong for Steaua and should be able to claim a comfortable victory.
Chelsea 3 – 0 Steaua Bucharest
Chelsea vs Steaua Bucharest Television
The Chelsea vs Steaua Bucharest match will be televised on Wednesday, December 11, 2013 at 11:45 AM Pacific on Fox Soccer Plus.
Chelsea vs Steaua Bucharest Highlights
The Chelsea vs Steaua Bucharest highlights will be available soon after the match ends.
