With one foot already into the Champions league semi finals, Chelsea face Porto with a two goal cushion. Ahead of the clash, Callum Owen previews the fixture.
Team news
Chelsea come into the Champions League clash with no fresh injury concerns.
Thiago Silva will return to the squad following his Premier League suspension, whilst N’Golo Kante has shaken off a hamstring issue to be fit and in contention.
Porto also have the majority of their players ready for the crucial second-leg. Both Taremi and goal-scoring midfielder Sergio Oliveira will be available following suspensions that ruled them out of the Champions League first leg.
However, Diogo Costa, Ivan Marcano and Mouhammed Mbaye are all expected to miss out through injury.
Form
Chelsea come into the game in relatively good form, winning five of their last six Champions League fixtures, and four of their last six overall.
In the Premier League, Chelsea sit fifth, currently embroiled in a battle for the top four with Leicester, West Ham and Liverpool.
In the Champions League, Porto have won three of their last six, losing their previous two games, following defeat to Juventus in their last-16 tie, and their 2-0 loss to Chelsea.
Porto currently sit second in the Primeira Liga table, six point behind league leaders Sporting Lisbon, and three points ahead of third place Benfica.
Last time out
Last time out in the Champions League Quarter final, at the neutral Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan in Seville, Chelsea ran out 2-0 winners, grabbing two away goals in the process.
Mason Mount opened the scoring in the 32nd minute with an excellent turn and finish. England team-mate Ben Chilwell would double Chelsea’s advantage late on with a sublime solo effort, placing the tie firmly in Chelsea’s control.
Chelsea were impressive throughout, both in defence and attack, following a shocking 5-2 defeat to relegation threatened West Brom.
They were able to neutralise Porto, dictate the play and cruise to a convincing victory at the Champions League tie’s halfway stage.
Prediction
Chelsea 2-1 Porto (3-1 Aggregate)
Enjoyed this article? Let us know in the comments! And why not follow our socials? You can Follow, Like and Subscribe to WD Sportz for more football news and updates.
Featured Image credit – (Photo by Denis Doyle – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)
