Chelsea - Porto: Preview and Predicted Lineups
Chelsea must at least draw with FC Porto at Stamford Bridge to secure a path to the Champions League knockout stages this season. Gro...
https://www.chelseadaft.org/2015/12/chelsea-porto-preview-and-predicted.html
Chelsea must at least draw with FC Porto at Stamford Bridge to secure a path to the Champions League knockout stages this season.
Group G is extremely tight going into the final match day. The Blues could top the group by downing Jose Mourinho's old club this evening, but anything less would risk allowing Dynamo Kiev to sneak into second place on goal difference (between the top three sides) should the Ukrainians defeat Maccabi Tel Aviv in eastern Europe.
FC Porto Team News
Striker Pablo Dani Osvaldo is the only injury concern for the visitors; the Argentine misses out due to a knee injury.
Chelsea succumbed to a 2-1 loss in its second group stage fixture against the Portuguese powerhouses, a result which will surely haunt Mourinho and his players, especially following their 1-0 home defeat at the hands of Bournemouth last Saturday.
Striker Pablo Dani Osvaldo is the only injury concern for the visitors; the Argentine misses out due to a knee injury.
FC Porto Starting XI Prediction
Casillas | Maxi Pereira, Marcano, Maicon, Layun | Danilo, Neves, Herrera, Andre Andre, Brahimi | Aboubakar
Last Five Meetings
FC Porto 2-1 Chelsea (UEFA Champions League, September 2015)
FC Porto 0-1 Chelsea (UEFA Champions League, November 2009)
Chelsea 1-0 FC Porto (UEFA Champions League, September 2009)
Chelsea 2-1 FC Porto (UEFA Champions League, March 2007)
FC Porto 1-1 Chelsea (UEFA Champions League, February 2007)
Score Prediction
It's a terrifying prospect, but this match could very well be the last time we see Jose Mourinho as the manager of Chelsea.
Given Roman Abramovich's track record, it wouldn't be at all surprising if the Russian saw fit to part ways with Mourinho if the Blues fail to escape what should've been a relatively easy Champions League group. For me, Mourinho should be given at least until the end of the season to turn things around. There are a number of adjustments he should make to his team selection in overall, but there's one glaring issue he should address for this crucial match against Porto.
Even though he has worked hard and offered a few glimpses of brilliance in the role, Eden Hazard is clearly not cut out to operate as a lone striker. Irrespective of what's going on between Mourinho and Diego Costa, the Spaniard should return to the lineup and, if he has even a shred of professionalism about him, give his all for this club.
This seems like the kind of scenario in which Mourinho will go for a smash and grab — I think we will sneak a 1-0 win to progress. What are your score predictions?
Casillas | Maxi Pereira, Marcano, Maicon, Layun | Danilo, Neves, Herrera, Andre Andre, Brahimi | Aboubakar
Last Five Meetings
FC Porto 2-1 Chelsea (UEFA Champions League, September 2015)
FC Porto 0-1 Chelsea (UEFA Champions League, November 2009)
Chelsea 1-0 FC Porto (UEFA Champions League, September 2009)
Chelsea 2-1 FC Porto (UEFA Champions League, March 2007)
FC Porto 1-1 Chelsea (UEFA Champions League, February 2007)
Score Prediction
It's a terrifying prospect, but this match could very well be the last time we see Jose Mourinho as the manager of Chelsea.
Given Roman Abramovich's track record, it wouldn't be at all surprising if the Russian saw fit to part ways with Mourinho if the Blues fail to escape what should've been a relatively easy Champions League group. For me, Mourinho should be given at least until the end of the season to turn things around. There are a number of adjustments he should make to his team selection in overall, but there's one glaring issue he should address for this crucial match against Porto.
Even though he has worked hard and offered a few glimpses of brilliance in the role, Eden Hazard is clearly not cut out to operate as a lone striker. Irrespective of what's going on between Mourinho and Diego Costa, the Spaniard should return to the lineup and, if he has even a shred of professionalism about him, give his all for this club.
This seems like the kind of scenario in which Mourinho will go for a smash and grab — I think we will sneak a 1-0 win to progress. What are your score predictions?
Assuming Kiev get the three points they need, anything other than a victory for us (or Porto) will see them top on goal difference. Porto have to win to stay in the competition, we have to win to finish top. Personally, the way we're playing, I'd take a draw right now and worry about finishing second later.
ReplyDeleteWe are through and that is all that matters............for the time being. The leicester outing would be more challenging. Lets see how that goes.
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