After grinding out a 2-1 win over Crystal Palace this weekend to keep their unbeaten record intact, Chelsea will now turn their attention to European action as they deal with an unfamiliar foe in their third group stage match.
Four points out of six in a group that many had felt should be a breeze for the 2012 Champions League winners are not a bad haul, but certainly Jose Mourinho will be keen on making sure they can earn maximum points to further extend their lead over the pack.
The Blues, though have quite a few injury concerns to worry about, as the Portuguese tactician himself admitted in an interview posted on the club's official website:
"For Tuesday I cannot make lots of changes because I cannot break the balance of the team. I can make a couple [of modifications] but I don't think I will be able to [have any of my injured players available]. [So, to be honest] I don’t think Ramires or [Andre] Schurrle will be [able to play].
"Diego [Costa] for sure is not available. The players I have are [those that are available] so I don’t have a lot to change, but I’m going to [have to] make a couple of changes. It’s a very important match for us to try and finish with seven points [at the end of 90 minutes]."
As for their opponents, it's fair to say that not many people outside Slovenia--or Eastern Europe for that matter--had probably heard much about NK Maribor prior to this season. Yet, that has not stopped the them from doing all they can to make sure they haven't turned into their group's basement boys by earning respectable draws against Sporting and Schalke.
Of course, Mourinho's squad will pose a much tougher test but Ante Šimundža, who once plied his trade for the club and men will be buoyed by the absence of the Blues' key hit-man Costa. Moreover, given that they have started off pretty well in their first Champions League appearance since the 1999/2000 season, they will certainly try their utmost best to cause a huge upset at Stamford Bridge.
Need to find out where to stay on top of the 2014/2015 UEFA Champions League? Then visit Live Soccer TV's Multi-Platform Broadcast Guide for more information.
Chelsea vs Maribor team sheets
Chelsea's lineup: Cech; Ivanovic, Zouma, Terry (c), Filipe Luis; Matic, Fabregas; Willian, Oscar, Hazard; Remy.
Chelsea's bench: Courtois, Azpilicueta, Cahill, Ake, Salah, Solanke, Drogba.
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