Chelsea begin the defence of their Champions League title with a home fixture against Serie A champions Juventus in the group phase of the European tournament.

The Blues, who made history by becoming the first London club to ever win the elusive trophy, kick off their campaign with manager Roberto Di Matteo, who led them to glory last season.

The Premier League outfit head into the clash at the top of the league table, while the Old Lady boast an unbeaten record of 42 games.

Di Matteo is expected to recall Spanish winger Juan Mata after he missed out on a place in the side that drew 0-0 with Queens Park Rangers at the weekend, while defensive duo John Terry and Ashley Cole should start.

Fernando Torres is expected to lead the line for the English club, with summer signing Eden Hazard providing support to the Spaniard.

Meanwhile, Juventus boss Antonio Conte will be unable to instruct his team from the touchline after he was hit with a 10-month suspension for failing to report his knowledge of a match-fixing scandal.

Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba could appear during the 90 minutes, while Andrea Barzagli and Giorgio Chiellini are likely to hold the back line.

Recent form:

Chelsea: WWWLD
Juventus: WWWWW

Chelsea: Cech; Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry, Cole; Ramires, Mikel, Lampard; Hazard, Torres, Mata

Juventus: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner Pirlo, Asamoah; Vidal, Marchisio; Giovinco, Vucinic

Sports Mole says: 1-2

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