Mourinho to take a chance against Valencia

Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho will gamble on Mikel Jon Obi in the pivotal midfield holding role as his side take on Valencia in the Champions League quarterfinal tonight.

Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho will gamble on Mikel Jon Obi in the pivotal midfield holding role as his side take on Valencia in the Champions League quarterfinal tonight.

The youngster is to play instead of seasoned France veteran Claude Makelele at Stamford Bridge.

England midfielder Joe Cole is back after his lengthy spell on the sidelines with a fractured foot but has to content himself with a place among the substitutes.

Salomon Kalou, who scored the last-minute equaliser against Watford in the Premiership at the weekend, replaces the injured Arjen Robben on the left flank.

Valencia striker David Villa, a former transfer target for the Blues, leads the attack for the Spaniards with David Silva in a supporting role.

Chelsea: Cech, Diarra, Terry, Carvalho, Ashley Cole, Kalou, Ballack, Lampard, Mikel, Shevchenko, Drogba.

Subs: Cudicini, Makelele, Boulahrouz, Joe Cole, Bridge, Ferreira, Wright-Phillips.

Valencia: Canizares, Miguel, Ayala, Moretti, Del Horno, Vicente, Albelda, Albiol, Joaquin, Silva, Villa.

Subs: Butelle, Angulo, Hugo Viana, Jorge Lopez, Curro Torres, Nacho Insa, Pallardo.

Referee: Frank De Bleeckere (Belgium).

more courts articles

Laurence Fox ordered to pay €210,000 in libel damages Laurence Fox ordered to pay €210,000 in libel damages
Former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson arrives at court to face sex charges Former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson arrives at court to face sex charges
Case against Jeffrey Donaldson to be heard in court Case against Jeffrey Donaldson to be heard in court

More in this section

Nottingham Forest v Manchester City - Premier League - City Ground Man City will not be distracted by Arsenal’s games in title race – Nathan Ake
West Ham United v Liverpool - Premier League - London Stadium Mo Salah expected to remain at Liverpool next season, say reports
Premier League: 10 talking points from the weekend’s football action Premier League: 10 talking points from the weekend’s football action
Sport Push Notifications

By clicking on 'Sign Up' you will be the first to know about our latest and best sporting content on this browser.

Sign Up
Sport
Newsletter

Latest news from the world of sport, along with the best in opinion from our outstanding team of sports writers

Sign up
Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Brand Safety FAQ Help Contact Us Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited