Reigning Premier League champions, Chelsea will be looking forward to overturning an awful start to the new season when they welcome Israeli champions Maccabi Tel Aviv on Wednesday afternoon to kick off their Champions League campaign.
Jose Mourinho’s side has been swamped in a slump since the start of the new season and is desperately searching for a morale-boosting result ahead of Saturday’s showdown with community shield holders Arsenal.
Meanwhile, Underdogs Tel Aviv are playing in the Champions League since the end of July and have routed Hibernians, Viktoria Plzen and FC Basel en route to the group stage.
The visitors would be keen deepen and fortify the gloom of Chelsea.
Let’s have a look at how the two sides will expectedly lineup for Wednesday afternoon’s fixture.
Starting Lineups
First choice goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois will miss the UEFA Champions League opener through injury alongside loan signing Radamel Falcao, meaning Asmir Begovic will continue in goal.
With Diego Costa rested, France international Loic Remy could find an opportunity to lead the line.
Jose Mourinho is expected to introduce a few changes in the squad that lost 3-1 to Everton on Saturday and Ghana defender Baba Rahman could also be in line for his Chelsea debut.
Chelsea starting lineup (4-2-3-1):
Asmir Begovic, Baba Rahman, Gary Cahill (c), Kurt Zouma, Cesar Azpilicueta, Cesc Fabregas, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Eden Hazard, Oscar, Willian, Loic Remy
Substitutes From: Jamal Blackman, John Terry, Branislav Ivanovic, Ramires, Nemanja Matic, Bertrand Traore, Diego Costa
Maccabi Tel-Aviv (4-2-3-1): Rajkovic; Sphungin, Ben Haim I, Tibi, Ben Harush; Alberman, Nosa; Ben Haim II, Mitrovic, Rikan; Zahavi
