Chelsea vs Porto - Champions League team news and prediction
After Chelsea's 2-0 win over Porto last week, the Blues hold a hefty advantage having netted two 'away' goals as they seek a semi-final spot. Back at the Roman Sanchez Pizjuan for the third time this season, the west London side are looking to finish the job quickly prior to their FA Cup meeting with Manchester City this weekend.
Ahead of this Champions League meeting, we provide all the pre-match information, including what time the game kicks off, where to watch the clash, team news and probable XIs.
When is kick off?
Tuesday 13th April, 20:00 GMT
Where is the match?
Roman Sanchez Pizjuan, Seville (Spain)
What channel is it on?
BT Sport 2
With both legs taking place at the Roman Sanchez Pizjuan, Chelsea utilised a happy hunting ground to earn a first leg advantage. The Blues blew Sevilla away in Spain the group stages, romping to a 4-0 win over the LaLiga side, and utilised familiar surroundings to secure a 2-0 win in their 'away' meeting with Porto.
It was a professional performance from the Blues, who went ahead on the half hour mark through Mason Mount. Porto huffed and puffed to haul themselves back into the tie, but a late Corona mistake allowed Ben Chilwell to bag Chelsea's second five minutes from time. The Portuguese side were without key men for the first leg, and will hope those returning to action can have a positive impact tonight.
Team News
Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel is sweating on the fitness of Tammy Abraham and Andreas Christensen, but has no major injury concerns of note. Thiago Silva will be well rested after serving a domestic ban and may return to the starting XI. Given Chelsea are in FA Cup action against Manchester City at the weekend, Tuchel may elect to rotate and hand the likes of Olivier Giroud and Hakim Ziyech a start.
Mehdi Taremi and Sergio Oliveira both missed the first leg loss through suspension, but are available for head coach Sergio Conceicao, in what is a huge boost for Porto. Taremi is set to partner Moussa Marega on the frontline, while Oliveira's return improves the away side's midfield. Diogo Costa and Mouhamed Mbaye are again ruled out, though neither would have started if fit.
Probable XIs
Chelsea (3421) - Mendy; Azpilicueta, Silva, Rudiger; Hudson-Odoi, Jorginho, Kovacic, Chilwell; Mount, Ziyech; Giroud
Porto (442) - Marchesin; Manafa, Mbemba, Pepe, Sanusi; Corona, Uribe, Oliveira, Otavio; Taremi, Marega
Key Battle: Mason Mount vs Sergio Oliveira
Mason Mount bagged the decisive opener for Chelsea against Porto last week, picking the perfect moment to score his first Champions League goal of the season. After an assist against Crystal Palace on Saturday, the England international has now had a direct hand in a goal in his last three Chelsea appearances as he continues to thrive in a Blues shirt.
Porto really missed Sergio Oliveira in the middle of the park in their 'home' leg last week. Having been used from the bench against Tondela at the weekend, the Portuguese star should be well rested and ready to help overturn the two-goal deficit in Seville tonight. The 28-year-old is far and away Porto's top scorer in the competition this season having netted five times from seven appearances, including a vital brace against Juventus in the round of 16 second leg win. A man for the big occasion, Porto are hoping for another stand out display from their talisman.
Score Prediction: Chelsea 2-0 Porto
