Champions League: Chelsea v Shakhtar Donetsk match preview

A look ahead to this week’s Champions League fixture at Stamford Bridge

David Luiz (Getty Images)

Chelsea will be out to avenge their defeat to Shakhtar in the last round of matches and ensure at the same time that the defence of their European crown does not suffer the ignominy of a group stage exit.

They do still look on course to make it through to the knockout stages but will be keen to win to settle any nerves.

Ashley Cole has been ruled out of the clash after picking up an injury at the weekend while David Luiz and Juan Mata will undergo late fitness tests. The Blues would particularly like to be able to call upon Mata, who has been in fantastic form for them so far this season.

John Terry also looks set to return to the side having missed the weekend fixture at Swansea due to his four-match domestic ban.

Shakhtar have no major injury concerns with former Barcelona man Dmytro Chygrynskiy possibly set to make a return to the side.

KICK-OFF: Today, 7.45pm

PAST MEETINGS:

Shakhtar 2 (Teixeira, Fernandinho) Chelsea 1 (Oscar), Champions League, group stage, October 2012

STATS…

Chelsea have not lost a home tie in the Champions League since a 1-0 semi-final first-leg defeat to Manchester United on April 6 2011

Shakhtar have scored in all four of their European away games in England, all of which have been in London, but have lost three and won none.

Chelsea have hit the target with 67% of their attempts, the best shooting accuracy in the Champions League.

Shakhtar have not lost a competitive game for nearly a year since last year's Champions League exit to Porto and are unbeaten in their last 37 matches.

The reverse fixture in Donetsk had 20 shots on target (11 for Shakhtar and nine for Chelsea). Only two games since 2006-07 have had more.

ODDS…

Chelsea to win: 2.04

Shakhtar to win: 4.1

Draw: 3.7

TV: Live on Sky Sports 3 at 7.45pm