By dixon9
October 23 2012

At first glance, this is the sort of fixture where it would be easy to dismiss this game as a dead rubber - a straightforward exercise in scoring early, conserve energy whilst they have then had to open up and attack, score again and fly off back to London with the 3 points.  It may well not turn out like that - Shakhtar Donetsk are no mugs.

Better than Spurs!

Shakhtar are comfortably top of their league (ok – it’s the Ukrainian league) and have taken points off Juventus in this group stage.  In fact, they also have 4 points and join us at the top.  They are also a club not lacking in confidence – better than Spurs according to their coach Mircea Lucescu! :

 "I believe that our team's level is higher.  This is true of both each player's individual skill and the game organisation. I think that we surpass Tottenham in terms of those qualities."

Much as many of us would like this to be true I think we can dismiss his claims.  Shakhtar will give us some surprises and whilst we must not take them for granted I don’t think we can expect a tougher contest than last Saturday.

Leader and legend returns

Some good news is that John Terry will be back.  Our captain is of course serving a 4 match domestic ban after a horrendously incompetent and pathetic FA, prompted by our desperate and vindictive media, dished out his punishment – how dare he get found NOT guilty in a court of law!  Does he not know there are hoards of extremely prejudiced baying masses expecting him to get his “just desserts” – after all… he’s John Terry…and he plays for the devils spawn which is Chelsea!

Rotate!

We can expect a few changes.  We’ve got Man Utd on Sunday and its going to be long season.  There are a few players that need a run out – some of these are going to be playing a big part in our season.

I wouldn’t be surprised if Terry AND Cahill play in the centre, Ivanovic possibly gets rested, Azpilcueta starts on the right, Moses comes into midfield, Romeu comes in for Mikel and…wait for it….Sturridge gives Torres a rest at some point.

Chelsea: Cech, Azpilicueta, Ivanovic, Terry, Cahill, Luiz, Cole, Bertrand, Mikel, Romeu, Lampard, Ramires, Mata, Hazard, Oscar, Moses, Sturridge, Torres, Turnbull.