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Chelsea Host Juventus as they Kick Off their Champions League Defence

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Where: Stamford Bridge, London, England

When: Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Time: 19:45 p.m. GMT

 

Four months after winning the Champions League title, Chelsea will start their title defence when they take on the Italian champions Juventus in a Group E encounter at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday.

Despite the fact that Juventus are making their first appearance in the competition in three years, Roberto Di Matteo`s side should not take things lightly if they were to advance in the competition.

Juventus : 

  • They are on a 42-match winning streak in Serie A dating back to the end of the 2010-11 season.  
  • They will be without manager Antonio Contre, who is currently serving a 10-month ban for failing to report match-fixing.
Probable Team :
Buffon
Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini
Lichtsteiner ,Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio,Asamoah
Giovinco, Vucinic

Team News :

  • Vucinic, Lichtsteiner and Asamoah were all rested from kick off at the weekend and are set to return.
  • Vidal was an unused substitute in Genova and will be fresh for the trip to London.
  • Elsewhere new signings Lucio, Isla and Bendtner may all have to watch on from the bench at the start.

Chelsea

  • Chelsea begins its defense of its Champions League title against Juventus.
  • They have an impressive winning streak at home, winning all six of their Champions League games.
  • The hosts will have a tough task cracking Juve’s defence but may have their biggest problems in the midfield, where the Italian’s have been so dominant domestically.
Probable Team 
Cech
Ivanovic, Luiz, Terry, Cole 
Mikel, Lampard
Moses, Hazard, Mata
Torres

Team News :  

  • Juan Mata was rested at the weekend and should return in midweek to replace Ryan Bertrand.
  • Victor Moses made a bright cameo at QPR and will hope to make his Champions league Debut.
  • The defence should remain unchanged after a clean sheet last time out, meaning Luiz will continue to get the nod over Cahill and Azpilicueta will have to make do with a place on the bench.
  • Oscar might start ahead of Lampard if the latter is not 100% but it looks unlikely.
  •  Hazard will be given the free role behind Torres.