Chelsea and Sporting are chasing three points after both sides drew in their group stages openers two weeks ago. While Chelsea dominated against Schalke, they conceded late and were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge. Sporting didn't play particularly well against Maribor, but were still up 1-0 late thanks to Nani, at least until Luka Zahovic tied it up two minutes into stoppage time.
Sporting Lisbon vs. Chelsea, 2014 UEFA Champions League: Team news and game preview
Chelsea will attempt to become the first English side to defeat Sporting in Portugal since Manchester United in 2007.
Paul Gilham
Now with all four teams in Group G sitting on a point, anyone who can grab three points this round could put themselves in the driver’s seat towards qualifying for the knockout round.
The last three English sides to face Sporting in Portugal have lost, with none of them scoring a goal. The last time Sporting lost at home against an English club was win 2007 against Manchester United, also the only other time they've played an English club in the Champions league.
Mourinho will be expecting a better performance from his side after the draw against Schalke, and the offensive struggles in that match could lead him to starting Diego Costa, despite his dodgy hamstring.
Key Player: Cesc Fàbregas (Chelsea)
After a disappointing run with Barcelona, Fàbregas has looked like his old self after returning to the Premier League over the summer. He’s helped Chelsea attack immensely, bringing them a creative spark that was often lacking last season. Given how tough Sporting play at home and their strong defensive record so far this season, a creative spark is something Chlesea will likely need on Tuesday. Fàbregas seems like the guy to do it, either setting up a teammate or scoring a goal himself.
Key Matchup: Loïc Rémy vs. Maurício and Mouhamadou-Naby Sarr
With Didier Drogba not in Portugal for the match and Diego Costa contenting to deal with hamstring issues, Loïc Rémy seems poised to get his first start for Chelsea. It would be a big spot for the 27-year-old, who scored four goals in 13 UCL appearances for Marseille between 2010 and 2012. He’ll likely be facing the central defensive duo of Maurício and Mouhamadou-Naby Sarr, Sporting’s first choice pairing at the back. They’ve started every Sporting match this season and have never conceded more than one goal in a match. Rémy may not get many chances, so it will be key for the French striker to take advantage of any looks he gets.
Sporting injuries and suspensions
Out: Rami Rabia (abdominal).
Chelsea injuries and suspensions
Out: Didier Drogba (undisclosed). In Doubt: Ramires (muscle), Diego Costa (hamstring).
Diego Costa has been playing regularly and scoring goals despite a hamstring that continues to limit him in training. As long as the Blues’ physios are comfortable with Costa’s status, he’ll likely play on Tuesday. If he’s held back, Mourinho will have to go with Loic Rémy up top.
Match Date/Time: Tuesday, 7:45 p.m. local, 2:45 p.m. ET
Venue: Estádio José Alvalade, Lisbon, Portugal
TV: FOX Sports 2, DirecTV, FOX Soccer Plus (U.S.), Sky Sports 5/HD (U.K.)
Online: FOX Soccer 2Go, ESPN3 (U.S.), Sportsnet World Now (Canada), SkyGo (U.K.)
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