Bayer Leverkusen Likely To Be Very Tough Opponents For Under Pressure Chelsea
Chelsea have managed to win just once in their last six 90 minute matches and three our of four league games lost means the pressure is well and truely on their new manager Andre Villas-Boas. Chelsea currently top their Champions League group though and can secure top spot if they beat Bayer Leverkusen, who sit two points behind Chelsea in second. Should Chelsea lose this match then doubts will not only creep in about Chelsea's ability to qualify from the group but there would also be further doubts about their under pressure manager.
Out of favour forward Nicolas Anelka has been completely left out of the squad that has travelled to Germany for this game suggesting a move away from the club in January is more than likely. Paulo Ferreira has also been left at home in London whilst young striker Romelu Lukaku was not registered for this competition so can play no part in Germany. The only enforced unavailability for Chelsea is long term injury absentee Michael Essien who remains out with a knee problem sustained in pre season. Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas will once again have to decide between Didier Drogba and Fernando Torres in attack, Drogba got the nod at the weekend but Torres may be back in tonight. Chelsea will come up against former midfielder Michael Ballack who is now back in Germany playing for Bayer Leverkusen.
This could be a tough game for Chelsea in Germany, Chelsea have drawn both their away matches in this group 1-1 so far whilst Leverkusen have so far managed to win both of their home games in the competition. Chelsea are also out of form at the moment and defending badly so as far as the match result goes, Bayer Leverkusen look good value and a good bet to win. A more likely winning bet though would appear to be both teams to score. Bayer Leverkusen have scored two goals in both home Champions League matches whilst Chelsea have kept just one clean sheet in their last six matches.