Jose Ready To Hand Sporting Some Cheek

[Special Juan 28,141]

This evening Chelsea host Sporting Lisbon at Stamford Bridge. The game sees the final of the group stages of this years Champions League, and with the blues already qualified it gives a chance for Mourinho to hand a debut to 18 year old midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek. The young lad has been an ever-present for both under 21's and under 19's this season and he will play some part as we look to secure, and see out our final game of the group campaign. Jose spoke yesterday at length in his press conference that the trio of Eden Hazard, John Terry and Willian will all be given the night off in anticipation of a busy schedule, as well as some well earned down time ready for the Visit of Hull this weekend.

Sporting travel to London needing a point to secure qualification from the group stage so it may not be the dead rubber some media outlets have you believe. Marco Silva's side have only won one of their last 17 away European fixtures, losing ten and drawing the other six. In their line-up tonight will be a familiar face to all us, one who faced us in the reverse fixture in Portugal only weeks ago- Nani. The ex United winger has featured heavily since his loan from United and popped up with some crucial goals for Sporting, and he will be hoping to continue that trend tonight. On Friday Sporting took the scalp of Boavista away from home with goals from Andre Carrillo, Carlos Mane and Joao Mario getting on the score sheet and running out 3-1 winners.

No matter the result tonight we are guaranteed top spot and will not have to face the draw like Arsenal, who finished in second place having lost out on goal difference to Borrussia Dortmund. Keeping away from the big boys is a huge advantage in my opinion and not only that, but it once again goes to show our quality in the group stage once again to come through it brilliantly. In the reverse fixture the blues ran out 1-0 winners with a goal from Matic, not only did the blues win but that was Sporting's first defeat at home in 16 matches, once again Chelsea smashing records.

Potential line-up...

Cech

Azpilicueta Zouma Cahill Luis

Ramires Mikel

Schurrle Oscar Salah

Costa

If selected, Filipe Luis will make his 50th appearance in European competition.

Last time out Sporting fielded this team and set up in a 4-1-4-1 formation...

Patricio

Cedric Oliveira Mauricio Jefferson

Carvalho

Mane Mario Silva Nani

Slimani

Champions League scorers (14)

Drogba 2 (1 pen), Hazard 2 (1 pen), Matic 2, Terry 2, Fabregas 1, Ramires 1, Remy 1, Willian 1, own goals 2

2014/15 Champions League scorers (11)

Nani 4, Adrien Silva 2 (1 pen), Slimani 2, Jefferson 1, Mane 1, Sarr 1

Yellow Card Count

Filipe Luis is one away from suspension- Fabregas, Hazard, Willian, Terry and Ivanovic all on one booking ahead of this game.

Referee

Svein Oddvar Moen from Norway.

Keep The Blue Flag Flying High.....