Chelsea travel to Spain to take on Atletico Madrid in the Champions League this evening in a huge match for the club.
Preview
It’s the return of Champions League football for the Blues, the filling in a Premier League sandwich of action. Chelsea take on Atletico Madrid, a side which has reached two finals in the last few years in what will be a tough match. Some of the focus on this match will be directed towards a player not on the field after Diego Costa secured a move to the Spanish side.
Team News
Danny Drinkwater is the only player ruled out of the match for the Blues. Thibaut Courtois has been ruled fit to play and David Luiz could return to the backline with his ban not applied to European competition.
For the home side, manager Diego Simeone has a selection dilemma. Thomas Partey and Yannick Carasco are battling for a starting spot, as are Juanfran and Diego Godin who were both rested at the weekend. Fernando Torres and Filipe Luis will both want to play against their former club.
Betting
Atletico Madrid are the slight favourites for the match. The Smartbets Calculator can get you the best price of 5/4 with a draw at 23/10 and a Blues win at 3/1. Expect a tense match but if you fancy the Blues to sneak it, get a 1-0 away win at 17/2.
Predicted Lineup
Thibaut Courtois
Cesar Azpilicueta
David Luiz Cahill; Moses, Bakayoko, Kante, Alonso; Hazard, Pedro, Morata.
Gary Cahill
Victor Moses
Tiemene Bakayoko
N’Golo Kante
Marcos Alonso
Eden Hazard
Pedro Rodriguez
Alvaro Morata
