UEFA Champions League Preview: Chelsea v Spartak Moscow

Chelsea welcome Spartak Moscow to Stamford Bridge, hoping for a win and subsequent progression to the knockout stages of the Champions League. The visitors are three points back in Group F, recording their first loss two weeks ago to the Blues in Moscow. With Marseille likely to grab three points in their visit to Žilina today, given that the Slovakian side is still without a point, Spartak must find at least a point in their match with Chelsea to stay comfortable in the group.

But with Chelsea sitting on eight goals scored in three matches in the Champions League, and 27 in the Premier League, it’s going to be tough for Spartak to stop the rampant Blues. They’ll likely be putting as many men behind the ball as possible and hoping to hit Chelsea on the counter. But with Florent Malouda out and Didier Drogba available for Champions League play for the first time this season, even playing deep could be dangerous for Spartak, considering that, as Michael Cox points out, a deep defense means more crosses into the box, crosses that Drogba will surely pounce upon.

So perhaps Spartak will focus on trying to eke out a draw by keeping up with the number of goals Chelsea scores. Problem is that the Blues have only conceded one goal in the tournament thus far, and just three in league play. Aiden McGeady will give it his best shot, taking on the Blues defense, but the likely outcome of this match is a Chelsea win and progression into the next round.