Chelsea vs Olympique de Marseilles: Champions League Preview and Prediction

Published by adam | Filed under Champions League, Predictions, Previews

Drogba protests to the ref during their 1-0 loss to Manchester City.

---

Follow Chelsea vs Olympique de Marseille with the fastest updating Livescore online, only at WSN.com!




More professional sports picks on BetAdvisor.com. Join now for a Free Trial!



9/28 19:45 BST Chelsea vs Olympique de Marseille – Odds | Stats


Group F action sees Premier League Champions Chelsea hosting the Champions of the French Ligue Olympique de Marseille. Chelsea has made it clear that winning the Champions League is their main target for the 2010/2011 season. The Blues are trying to rebound from a league loss while visitors Marseille are desperate for a Champions League win having lost their first home fixture. Chelsea is still missing several key players so tune in Tuesday for a colossal showdown at Stamford Bridge.



Chelsea:


Two weeks ago, Chelsea could have been regarded as the best team in football. Both the Premier League and Champions League trophies were in sight. Manchester City however, handed Chelsea their second loss in as many games. City defenders were able to take Drogba out of the game, while only Anelka looked threatening. In the Champions League Group Stages, the Blues beat first timers MSK Zilina 4-1 away from home. The injury concern for manager Carlo Ancelotti is of Frank Lampard who is recovering from a hernia operation, while Kalou, Benayoun, and Bosingwa are still ruled out. Drogba is suspended for the matchup with his his former club, so Chelsea will look to other top goalscorers in French nationals Nicolas Anelka and Florent Malouda. Chelsea have scored 30 times in 8 games this season so expect some goals.


Olympique Marseille:


Despite having dominated the majority of play against Spartak Moscow, Manager Didier Deschamps was extremely disappointed in the result and pointed to the lack of finishing that cost them the loss. Deschamps will look to his experience (1999/2000) working at Stamford Bridge as well as his appetite of studying opposing players from DVDs. After their home loss to Spartak, Marseille will play attacking football as a loss would leave them well behind in Group F standings. Lucho Gonzalez will look to his Champions League experience with FC Porto to help lead Marseille to what would be a shocking victory in Stamford Bridge. On the other hand, Loic Remy is doubtful while Leyti N’Diaye will be sidelined.





Does Marseille have the power to avenge their 1-0 loss to Spartak Moscow against Chelsea?

Prediction:


If Chelsea wants to avenge their loss to Manchester United in the 2008 Champions League final this is the year. Marseille, the only French club to win the Champions League, are no strangers to big matches. Chelsea however, host a great home advantage that seldom sees visitors go away pleased.


Pick:


Chelsea 2 – 0 Marseille