APOEL v Chelsea – Champions League Group D

After suffering their first defeat of the season at the hands of Wigan in the Premier League, Chelsea will be keen to not let that result effect them too much. Chelsea were drawing at 1-1 when keeper Petr Cech saw a red card waved in his face after conceding a penalty. That was the beginning of the end for the Blue’s 100% record for the season, and it knocked them off the top of the league on goal difference. The now face one of those tricky away night in Europe, the kind that usually demands a performance of diligence and endurance opposed to putting on a show.

Manager Carlo Ancelotti will be feeling a bit of pressure for the first time in his short tenure at Stamford Bridge, although he insists that it is the right kind of pressure for him and his team. APOEL battled hard for a 0-0 draw in their Match Day One fixture at Atletico Madrid showing themselves to be a good physical side, as well as being a fairly compact and tight unit. They were keen not to concede too much space to their opponents. On the weekend, the Cypriots won their first league game of the season, having lost their three opening games in all domestic competitions.

The top wage of one of the Cypriot players is the equivalent of what one of Chelsea’s top stars could earn in a month. That is the gulf we are talking about between the two teams. Taking things into perspective, APOEL are an immense success story within their own country, having won the domestic title twenty times. Chelsea are in the hunt for major silverware again this year, as they are one of the favourites for the Premier League, the domestic trophies and the Champions League itself.

Ancelotti has a doubt over full back Ashley Cole and will require him to have a late fitness test. Chelsea are also missing Deco, Ballack, Mikel and Alex through injury, and will be missing the dominant figure of Didier Drogba up front as he is serving a three match European suspension. The London club will still be starting a strong favourites, and the small 22,000 seater stadium in Nicosia has seen a lot of home success in their European quests. Chelsea have only lost one of their last seven away games in the competition, but couldn’t muster an away win in the group stages of last year’s competition.

The ability to negotiate these potentially tricky away games, is something that the experience of two times Champions League winner Carlo Ancelotti was drafted in for. In many ways it won’t be an easy night for either team. APOEL will need to stand tall against their more illustrious opponents, while Chelsea will need to employ all of their craft and guile to ensure that the job gets done efficiently. A win would be important for them, to keep them at the head of the chasing pack.

Chelsea to win: 1/3 at PaddyPower
Draw: 4/1 at Boylesports
APOEL to win: 12/1 at SkyBet

Betting Advice: They will be missing Drogba up front, but Match Day One goal hero Niklas Anelka an Kalou should pose more than enough threat. With Lampard and Essien in midfield, Chelsea have sheer quality, and Joe Cole could finally get some European action after his long lay off. It could be one of those difficult away nights, but a 1-0 win for Chelsea 6/1 at Bet365 would be very satisfactory.