Chelsea face a tough trip to Israel this week as they face Maccabi Tel-Aviv on Match day five. The 2012 champions league winners have struggled with form this season but when it comes to the champions league performances have been better, with a 1-0 victory over Norwich at the weekend Jose Mourinho hopes that his side is slowly regaining confidence. Chelsea are currently sitting in 2nd in the group after a sensational 2-1 victory at home to Dynamo Kiev with a Willian free-kick the savour (not for the first time this season).
Chelsea won the return fixture at Stamford bridge 4-0 with Willian, Remy, Costa & Fabregas bagging the goals but could we see another comfortable performance? Chelsea have won 2 of their last 5 games whereas Tel-Aviv have won 3 of their last 5 domestically.
Match Details
Tuesday, 24th November, Kick off at 7:45 GMT at Sammy Ofer Stadium
Team News
The blues travel to Israel with the weekend’s game against Tottenham in the back of their minds which could give Mourinho a selection headache as he will be indecisive whether it would be wise to play a full strength squad against Tel-Aviv. The full squad apart from Courtois and Falcao have travelled to the south eastern Europe.
Predicted Lineup: 4-2-3-1
GK – Begovic: With Courtois still injured Asmir Begovic is set to continue in between the sticks.
RB – Azpilicueta: The Spaniard was rested at the weekend due to Mourinho anticipating that Norwich would play 5 at the back but that was not the case, expect Azpilicueta to be starting weather it is at left back or right back.
CB’s – Cahill and Terry: The defensive pairing that won Chelsea the league last season could be featuring again against Tel-Aviv Tuesday night, Chelsea most likely wont expect much pressure from the Israeli side but solidarity and concentration will be needed at the back just in case of a Tel-Aviv counter attack.
LB – Baba Rahman: A regular in the champions league and could keep his place at left back.
CDM’s – Loftus-Cheek and Matic: Before the international break Nemanja Matic was struggling with his performance being below par but his performance against Norwich was world class and hopefully he will be back to his best. As Chelsea play with two holding midfielder so Matic will need a partner in crime and that man will be Ruben Loftus-Cheek; the young midfielder has struggled to make an impact in the first time and has expressed his frustration about his lack of game time. RLC put in a MOTM performance in the return fixture and could be given another chance to prove himself.
RW – Willian: The Brazilian wizard has been sensational for us this season and has now become one of the first name’s on the teamsheet.
LW – Kenedy: This is a bold call but I believe Kenedy deserves a starting spot on the left as he played incredibly well at left back at the weekend being an added threat to the Norwich defence and with a special someone wanting to be played in the middle Kenedy could get his chance.
CAM – Eden Hazard: The talented Belgian has struggled to regain his form that won him PFA POTY last season but after a heart to heart talk with Mourinho we now think he is slowly getting back to his best after 2 great displays against Norwich and Stoke and will most likely keep his place in the side.
ST – Diego Costa: Could be between Loic Remy or the Spaniard and I believe Mourinho will stick with Costa after his goal at the weekend but his performances wasn’t the best and incredibly frustrating to watch as he wasted a lot of good chances.
Score Prediction
Maccabi Tel-Aviv 0-3 Chelsea
