Jose Mourinho
Jose Mourinho is set to rest key players and give the fringe players a run out against Sporting on Wednesday Getty

Chelsea face Sporting in the Group G clash of the Champions League at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday evening.

Where to watch

Kick-off is set for 7:45pm BST. Live coverage is on Sky Sports 1 and Sky Sports 1 HD.

Overview

Chelsea welcome Sporting to Stamford Bridge for a Champions League clash. This match holds significance only for the Portuguese team as they need at least a point from this game to ensure they qualify for the knockout stages.

The Blues come into this game after suffering their first loss of the season against Newcastle United, but with the top spot ensured in the group, the manager is sure to rest key players for the game.

Jose Mourinho has already confirmed that John Terry and Eden Hazard are on holiday, and also confirmed that 18-year-old Ruben Loftus-Cheek will start the game at Stamford Bridge.

Nani
Nani will miss Sporting's crucial Champions League clash against Chelsea due to a thigh injury Getty Images

Meanwhile, Sporting know that they have to get a point against their opponents as in the other fixture Schalke take on Maribor and the German team will be favourites to take all three points.

Marco Silva has hinted that his team is not coming to London to play for a draw but to get all three points. He is without Manchester United loanee Nani, who is out with a thigh injury.

However, Sporting are on a four game winning streak and they will hope to continue their run and get all three points to ensure they qualify for the knockout stages for the second time.

What managers say

Jose Mourinho: "We don't need a reaction [to Chelsea's first defeat of the season, 2-1 at Newcastle United FC on Saturday]. We don't need to change things, our philosophy. [John] Terry, Willian and [Eden] Hazard are on holiday. I would like to give the whole squad tomorrow off because they are always playing. This game gives me the chance to rest at least three players."

Marco Silva: "Chelsea's defeat last weekend doesn't change anything – on the pitch it's 11 against 11. We respect Chelsea but it's about our game. We know they will be very hard and we have to play within our limits. One point is enough but we want three."

Betting Odds (888Sport.com)

  • Sporting to win: 17/4
  • Draw: 27/10
  • Chelsea to win: 13/8

Team News

Chelsea

  • Injured: Aké (hamstring)
  • Doubtful: N/A
  • Suspended: N/A

Possible XI: Čech; Ivanović, Cahill, Zouma, Filipe Luís; Mikel, Matić; Loftus-Cheek, Oscar, Schürrle; Rémy.

Sporting

  • Injured: Nani (right thigh), Jefferson (unspecified)
  • Doubtful: N/A
  • Suspended: Cédric

Possible XI: Patrício; Esgaio, Maurício, Paulo Oliveira, Jonathan Silva; William, Adrien, João Mário; Slimani, Mané, Carrillo.

Champions League Chelsea FC Jose Mourinho