Champions League preview and odds: Chelsea vs Porto

Published on: 06/12/2015

Champions League preview and odds: Chelsea vs Porto

December 08, 2015 19:45pm - Stamford Bridge

Champions League

With three teams vying for two qualification places in Group G, Chelsea will be hoping that home advantage can carry them through when they face Porto at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday.

Chelsea looking for CL boost

Chelsea are having a torrid time in the Barclays Premier League but still have a good chance of making it to the knockout stages of the Champions League. With just a home game against Porto to play, a draw will be enough to guarantee a place in the last 16 for Jose Mourinhos men.

The Londoners will be boosted by the fact that they have won all five of their previous European home games against Portuguese opposition. However, confidence is low and they come into this game on the back of a home defeat to newly-promoted Bournemouth in their domestic campaign.

Defeat to Kiev leaves Porto with uphill task

Portos prospects of qualifying for the knockout stages of this competitions were dealt a massive blow in the last game week when they went down 2-0 at home to Dynamo Kiev. Only a victory against Chelsea will ensure their progression to the last 16, however, they could still qualify with a draw if Dynamo fail to beat Maccabi Tel-Aviv in the other group game.

When the teams met in the reverse fixture in Portugal, the home side ran out winners by two goals to one. That was only their second victory in a total of seven previous encounters with the English team.

Porto have not lost a competitive away game in any competition since April, when they were beaten by Bayern Munich in the Champions League. They have won their last five away games in all competitions, conceding just one goal in the process.

Team news

Chelsea will be without striker Falcao, while Ramires, Loic Remy and John Terry are all doubtful. Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois made his return against Bournemouth at the weekend and is set to feature again.

Meanwhile, Porto boss Julen Lopetegui will be without Maicon for this clash. The defender is still suffering from a thigh injury.

Recent form (All competitions)

Chelsea: LDWWL

Porto: WWWLW

Betting odds and tips

The defeat to Dynamo Kiev was Portos only defeat in 19 competitive games in all competitions this season. They also have an unbeaten away record that stretches back to April. In stark contrast, Chelsea have already lost 10 competitive games this season including four home losses. The away win can be backed at a generous 31/10 with Boylesport.

Published on: 06/12/2015

Any odds displayed within this preview were correct at the time of publishing (06/12/2015 13:57:20) but are subject to change.