Having achieved a well deserved comeback against Manchester United in the F.A. Cup quarterfinals, Chelsea will loom to take that confidence into the Europa League last 16 second leg encounter against Steaua Bucharest.
Steaua lead 1-0 on aggregate following their victory in the first leg, and Chelsea will have to be at their best to turn over the deficit against the stubborn Romanian side.
"We are in the Europa League and will try to do our best," Chelsea manager Rafa Benitez said. "If you progress it is a good competition but you have to carry on until the end,' he said.
"The scouts told us to be careful, it's a good team and we knew it would be tough. We will see if we can do our game at Stamford Bridge, see if they can cope with the intensity, but we have a lot of respect because it's a very good team."
Benitez will be without Demba Ba, who is ineligible, meaning the misfiring Fernando Torres will again be give a start. The Blues do not have too many other worries though with only Oriol Romeu missing through injury.
The manager will also have to make the decision on the makeup of the squad, with Chelsea set to play plenty more games, including a replay against Manchester United at Stamford Bridge.
"Apart from Oriol Romeu, the others are available so we can decide what we want to do," Benitez added. Obviously Demba Ba cannot play. The next game is the priority. I have to pick the team for the next game and ensure it's a very competitive team for each competition.
"Some players like center-backs and goalkeepers can play more games. Wingers, fullbacks, strikers, it is more difficult because of the intensity of their runs. It depends on the players. If you have a player who is fit and recovers quickly it is easier than someone who is older and needs more time. You have to analyse everything and decide what to do. It is difficult."
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Expected lineups: Chelsea: Cech; Azpilicueta, Cahill, Terry, Bertrand; Mikel, Ramires; Moses, Mata, Hazard; Torres.
Steaua Bucharest: Tatarusanu; Latovlevici, Chiriches, Szukala, Rapa; Pintilii, Chipciu; Bourceanu, Tanase, Popa; Rusescu.
Prediction: 2-0 to Chelsea
