Chelsea v Schalke: Champions League match preview

A look ahead to the Champions League fixture at Stamford Bridge

The Chelsea manager said some players had ‘forgotten why they win’ (Getty Images)

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho will face a decidedly different task to that he tackled before the clash against Newcastle United last weekend. Before their 2-0 submission to the Magpies, the Blues had been looking good on all fronts after powerful victories over Arsenal and Manchester City.

Now, after admitting to being ‘angry and frustrated’ with his new Chelsea squad, the returning Portuguese will be looking for a performance worthy of his inexplicably high expectations.

Marking the Blues’ first Champions League game at Stamford Bridge since the shock defeat against FC Basel, there will be even more emphasis on performance as well as the result.

The 4-0 and 3-0 victories in response, against Steaua Bucuresti and Schalke respectively, prove that.

Schalke have made a decent, if unremarkable, start to their Bundesliga campaign and find themselves in the Europa League spots after eleven games. Falling 3-0 to Mourinho’s men last time around will have undoubtedly hit them hard, though, and a trip to Stamford Bridge is an intimidating task for any side.

KICK-OFF: Wednesday, 7.45pm

PAST MEETINGS...

Schalke 0 Chelsea 3, Veltins-Arena – Tues 22nd Oct 2013

Schalke 0 Chelsea 0, Veltins-Arena – Tues 6th November 2007

Chelsea 2 Schalke 0, Stamford Bridge – Weds 24th Oct 2007

STATS...

Chelsea have finished as winners of their group in seven of the last ten campaigns and qualified as runners-up in two of the others.

Mourinho, who has lifted the trophy with both FC Porto (2004) and Internazionale (2010), is bidding to become the first manager to win the Champions League with three different teams.

Chelsea's overall record against Bundesliga opponents is W8 D4 L4 while Schalke’s against Premier League clubs is W4 D3 L7.

ODDS...

Chelsea 1/3

Draw 4/1

Schalke 8/1

TV: Live on Sky Sports HD 2 from 7.30pm until 10.00pm