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Sparta Praha vs Chelsea Match Preview

Chelsea won't be able to retain their Champions League crown this season, but still have an opportunity to win a European title, as their Europa League campaign begins at Prague's Generali Arena on Thursday.

The European champions are definitely not in top form, despite thumping Wigan 4-1 in the English Premier League on the weekend, but are still one of the favourites, if not the favourite, to win the Europa League this season.

Blues coach Rafael Benitez hasn't found much success since arriving at Stamford Bridge, as his side were beaten by Brazil's Corinthians in the FIFA Club World Cup final in December, and have struggled on the domestic front as well.

Because of this, the former Liverpool, Valencia and Inter Milan coach, just to name a few, is expected to take this competition very seriously, and will be disappointed with anything less than the title.

Benitez will likely field an extremely strong side for the clash, and has few injury concerns, as apart from long-term absentees John Terry and Oriel Romeu, he has the entire squad at his disposal.

There's no doubt that Chelsea will be after the three points in Prague, and in order to achieve this Benitez has decided to select three attackers, with them being Oscar, Moses and Fernando Torres.

Rivals Sparta Prague last hosted Chelsea in the 2003-04 season, losing out 1-0, and will surely treat the game as if it were a final.

They will field their strongest-possible starting eleven, which includes talented wingers such as Vaclav Kadlec and David Krefci.

Sparta Prague's last four matches

Feb 4, 2013: Sparta Prague 2-3 Krasnodar (Friendly)

Feb 1, 2013: Sparta 1-1 Guangzhou Evergrande (Friendly)

Dec 6, 2012: Athletic Bilbao 0-0 Sparta Prague (Europa League)

Nov 29, 2012: Jihlava 1-1 Sparta Prague (Czech Cup)

Chelsea's last four matches

Feb 9, 2013: Chelsea 4-1 Wigan (English Premier League)

Feb 2, 2013: Newcastle United 3-2 Chelsea (English Premier League)

Jan 30, 2013: Reading 2-2 Chelsea (English Premier League)

Jan 27, 2013: Brentford 2-2 Chelsea (FA Cup)

Facts

- The last time the sides met in Prague was in the 2003-04 season, with Chelsea picking up a 1-0 victory courtesy of a William Gallas goal.

- Chelsea have only won one out of their last five matches in all competitions, with that win coming against Wigan last weekend.

Prediction

Sparta Prague 0-2 Chelsea

Sparta Praha vs Chelsea Match Statistics

Related News

• Five things Chelsea must do to win the UEFA Europa League in 2013
  Chelsea has been demoted to the Europa League after a frustrating defence of their Champions League title. Now, they will be looking to add one more European title to their cabinet.

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