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Preview: Shakhtar Donetsk vs. Chelsea

Preview: Shakhtar vs. Chelsea
© PA Photos
Sports Mole evaluates Chelsea's chances as they face Ukrainian competition for the first time in the Champions League at Shakhtar.

Defending European champions Chelsea travel to Ukraine for the first time in the Champions League on Tuesday.

Roberto Di Matteo's men go to Shakhtar Donetsk and although the Blues have never faced a Ukrainian outfit, Shakhtar are used to facing English competition. Most recently they defeated Arsenal at home in 2010 and they have won three out of four home ties against English opposition.

Since being held by Italian champions Juventus on matchday one, Chelsea have won six on the bounce in all competitions and head to the Donbass arena top of the Premier League.

Shakhtar are also in irresistible league form, having won all 12 of their matches to top the Ukrainian Premier League by 12 points.

Selection-wise, Di Matteo will be able to call upon John Terry as his FA ban does not apply to European competition.

Terry could partner either Gary Cahill or David Luiz in defence or Di Matteo may wish to continue with the younger pairing.

Henrik Mkhitaryan is likely to lead the Shakhtar line, having already netted twice in this year's competition.

Recent form

Shakhtar: WWDWWW

Chelsea: WWWWWW

Possible starting lineups:

Shakhtar: Pyatov; Rat, Kucher, Rakitskiy, Srna; Teixeira, Fernandinho; Willian, Hubschman, llsinho; Mkhitaryan

Chelsea: Cech; Ivanovic, Cahill, Luiz, Cole; Mikel, Lampard; Mata, Oscar, Hazard; Torres

Sports Mole says: 1-1


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