Chelsea vs Basel Preview

Following their 2-1 victory in Switzerland last week, the Blues know that even a 1-0 defeat against Basel at Stamford Bridge would be enough to secure them a place in the Europa League final.

Chelsea will be hoping to advance to the final of the Europa League when they face Basel in the return leg of the semi-finals at Stamford Bridge on Thursday.

The Blues head into the contest highly-fancied to advance to the title decider after an injury-time free-kick from Brazilian defender David Luiz earned them a precious 2-1 victory over Basel at St. Jakob-Park last week.

Chelsea, who surprised everyone in becoming the European champions last year, have had a rather ordinary season, as not only were they beaten by Corinthians of Brazil in the final of the FIFA Club World Cup last December, but were eliminated in the group stage of the UEFA Champions League, were eliminated from the FA Cup and didn't stand a chance at the English Premier League title.

For this reason, their only chance to save what has been a disappointing season will be by advancing to the Europa League final and winning it. If they manage to reach the final their opponents would either be Benfica or Fenerbahce.

For Thursday's clash, Chelsea will be without left-back Ashley Cole as he will serve a suspension. His most likely replacement will be Ryan Bertrand.

Other than that, and long-term absentees Marko Marin and Oriol Romeu, as well as the ineligible Demba Ba, Rafael Benitez will be able to count with a full-strength squad.

Benitez is expected to field three-men up front, with them being Spanish international Fernando Torres, Eden Hazard and Victor Moses.

Opponents Basel also count with few notable absentees, with Kay Voser the only player ruled out through injury.

Basel coach Murat Yakin is expected to field a close-to identical side as to the one that took the field in the first leg, with the only anticipated change likely to see Gaston Sauro replace the suspended Aleksandar Dragovic.

Chelsea are fully aware of the fact that after scoring twice in Switzerland any draw or even a 1-0 loss would see them through to the Europa League final.