Mar 14, 2012 01:10 PM EDT
Chelsea Vs. Napoli: Where To Watch Live Stream Online, Preview, Team News, Prediction

When and Where: The Champions League last-16 second leg kicks-off from Stamford Bridge at 3.45 p.m. ET. The game will be screened on the Fox Soccer Channel, while it will also be available, on delay, via FoxSoccer2Go. In the U.K. a live stream will be available at ITV1.com.

Preview: Chelsea will be hoping that a change in the dugout will bring about a shift in fortunes following their 3-1 defeat to Napoli in Italy three weeks ago.

But, despite caretaker manager Roberto Di Matteo winning two matches out of two so far, he has yet to demonstrate that he will be able to bring about an upturn from the performances displayed under Andre Villas-Boas.

Napoli will not be concerned about who is leading out Chelsea on Wednesday after recording six consecutive victories. A 6-3 demolition of Cagliari on Friday means that Walter Mazzarri's side come into the second-leg firing on all cylinders.

Their good run of form has also put Napoli firmly back into contention for a return to the Champions League last season. A prospect that should please neutrals, given the enthralling counter-attacking soccer displayed by the Partenopei in this season's competition.

Team News: Midfielder Raul Meireles will miss the match through suspension, having picked up his third caution in the Champions League last time out. The only other absentee for the Blues is Jose Bosingwa, meaning Branisalv Ivanovic will operate at right-back.

Chelsea's main selection dilemma, as it has been for much of the season, concerns whether to select Fernando Torres or Didier Drogba in the central striking role. The Ivorian's winner against Stoke on Saturday may be enough to tip the balance in his favor.

With Napoli having no new injury worries, they will continue to operate with the largely unchanged side that has served them so well thus far in the competition. Watch out for the ever-dangerous front three of Marek Hamsik, Ezequiel Lavezzi and Edinson Cavani, ably assisted by right wingback Christian Maggio.

Manager Mazzarri will be serving the second game of his two-match suspension, meaning he will be unable, at least officially, to make any changes to his side on the night.

Prediction: Chelsea were their own worst enemy in Napoli with some horrendous defensive errors that have left them in a hole going into Wednesday's return leg. While it's hard to imagine them being so poor again, the game is perfectly setup for Napoli with their counter-punching style.

As Chelsea have to increasingly pour forward, Napoli will relish the increasing opportunities to hit them on the break.

Chelsea 1-2 Napoli

To report problems or to leave feedback about this article, e-mail: j.lemiere@ibtimes.com
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