Defending European champions Chelsea will look to establish themselves as one of the top sides in Europe again when they take on Sparta Prague in the Europa League Round Thursday at 1:00 pm ET.

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Chelsea enter this match as firm favorites, however, he home side are a very tough team to break down when playing in Prague, and Chelsea haven't traveled well in their European fixtures so far this year.

Sparta Prague should choose a fairly strong team for this game, with exciting youngster Vaclav Kadlec a key threat in attack. He would be supported up front by Albanian Bekim Balaj, who has scored five goals in 10 appearances since moving from KF Tirana.

In defense, the experienced Tomas Zapotocny will be crucial in the center, hoping to use his considerable experience of European soccer to good effect for the home side.

For Chelsea, Demba Ba is cup-tied having played in this competition already for Newcastle, so it will fall to Fernando Torres to lead the line. Blues manager Rafael Benitez may choose this competition to experiment with his side, allowing some of his fringe players time on the pitch.

John Terry remains out with a knee injury, while midfielder Oriel Romeu (knee) is another long-term absentee.

Probable Lineups:

Sparta Prague: Vaclik, Svejdik, Zapotocny, Vidlicka, Pamic , Holek, Husbauer, Matejovsky, Jarosik , Balaj, Kadlec

Chelsea: Cech, Azpilicueta, Cahill, Luiz, Bertrand, Ramires, Mikel, Marin, Oscar, Torres, Moses