Chelsea v Napoli- Match Preview

Last updated : 14 March 2012 By DSG

Roberto Di Matteo is expecting another tough game from Napoli when the two sides meet this evening.

Chelsea will attempt to overturn a 3-1 deficit from the first leg, in what is only Di Matteo's third game in charge since replacing Andre Villas-Boas.

Despite taking a two-goal lead to Stamford Bridge, Di Matteo still expects an attacking threat from the Italians.

"We will have to be balanced, obviously, because their threat obviously on counter-attacking is very good and they have some players that can hurt you,"

"When they're going to come here on Wednesday at Stamford Bridge, they will play against a good team, a great team, and we will make their life difficult and try to turn the leg around."

The Italian interim boss did however decline the chance to rate his sides chances of progression.

"I'll leave that up to you to say how much percentage we have. We have to believe that we can turn this around and that we can win the game and that's how we're going to go into this game."

Juan Mata, Fernando Torres, Daniel Sturridge and Michael Essien did not start against Stoke on Saturday but are in contention to start tonight.

John Terry and Ashley Cole recently returned from injury, Jose Bosingwa is out with a hamstring complaint and Raul Meireles is suspended.

Napoli are in superb form, having won their last six games and scoring 17 goals in the process.

The Naples club are currently fourth in Serie A and are just two points behind third placed Lazio.

Juan Camilo Zuniga could start ahead of Andrea Dossena at left back.

Christian Maggio is likely to start on the right of midfield, leaving the deadly strike force of Marek Hamsik, Ezequiel Lavezzi and Edinson Cavani up top.

Chelsea possible starting XI: Cech; Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry, Cole; Ramires, Essien, Lampard; Mata, Torres, Sturridge

Chelsea form: L W L W W

Napoli possible starting XI: De Sanctis; Campagnaro, Cannavaro, Aronica; Maggio, Gargano, Inler, Zuniga; Hamsik, Lavezzi; Cavani

Napoli form: W W W W W

March 14, 2012 7:45 PM GMT - Stamford Bridge


Source: DSG

Source: DSG