A midweek tilt in the Barclays Premier League pits the reigning titleholders of the UEFA Champions League against a recent returnee to the Premiership on Wednesday, when Chelsea welcomes Reading into Stamford Bridge. Kick-off time is scheduled for 7:45 p.m. local time (2:45 p.m. ET in the United States).
The match will be broadcast live in the United States on ESPN2, and can be viewed online at WatchESPN.com or using the WatchESPN app on mobile devices. Fans viewing the live stream will have their choice of English or Spanish-language commentary.
Chelsea struck early in its Premier League opener on Sunday at Wigan Athletic, as the Blues scored in just the second minute on a setup from Eden Hazard to Branislav Ivanovic. Hazard played a key role in the second goal as well, as he won a penalty that Frank Lampard converted in the seventh minute to give the Champions League winners all the cushion they would need.
Reading, meanwhile, played its first Premier League match since 2008 on Saturday, playing to a 1-1 draw with Stoke City at Madejski Stadium. The winners of last season's Championship required late heroics to secure the point, as Adam Le Fondre converted a penalty in the final minute to draw Reading even, following an ugly gaffe by Adam Federici in the 34th minute that allowed Michael Kightly to score for the Potters.
Brian McDermott's club will undoubtedly need a stronger effort on Wednesday if it is to stand a chance against the Blues.
