UEFA Champions League: Chelsea vs Sporting Lisbon - Match Preview

Ruben Loftus-Cheek of Chelsea (C) trains with his team-mates during a Chelsea training session, ahead of the UEFA Champions League Group G match, against Sporting Clube de Portugal

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Jose Mourinho has confirmed that key players will be rested for the Champions League game against Sporting Lisbon, as the group G top-spot is already secured.

That means that there is a probability that there will be a few youngsters and even debutants featuring in the last Champions League game of 2014.

The thrashing of Schalke two weeks ago meant Chelsea would qualify for the knockout stages as group winners, allowing Mourinho to change around his team ahead of a busy Christmas schedule.

Chelsea team news

John Terry, Eden Hazard and Willian are all on holiday and will not feature against Sporting, though the gaffer confirmed that the starting line-up on Wednesday night would include Diego Costa.

18-year-old midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek will get his debut after performing brilliantly for the Under-21s, however it is not confirmed whether he will start the match or come on off the bench.

Speaking to the press on Tuesday, Mourinho praised Loftus-Cheek’s progress the last few months.

One month ago he played in Lisbon, in the UEFA Youth League, so you can imagine the difference between playing at the Sporting academy in front of maybe 1000 fans and then one month later playing against Sporting in the real Champions League at Stamford Bridge, in front of 40,000 with the lights on him.

After suffering defeat for the first time this season at the weekend, Chelsea will be keen to bounce back instantly against Sporting, even if the result won’t affect the Blues in the draw for the next round regardless of what happens.

It is also expected that Petr Cech will play in goal and that Nemanja Matic will be involved as he sat out the weekend match to suspension.

Sporting team news

In-form winger Nani, on loan from Manchester United, has showed great form this season and has scored four goals in the competition so far.

The Portuguese winger has been a revelation since returning to his former club, and will be their main threat going forward.

Currently sitting second in group G, Sporting will go for a win at the Bridge, especially as they are aware of that they are facing a weakened Chelsea side.

A point or a draw is enough to see them through to the last 16.

With youngsters and squad players getting the nod against Sporting, we are expecting a close match. Our prediction is 2-2, but what do you think?