Nani not expecting Chelsea to go easy

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Sporting Lisbon’s Nani insists that opponents Chelsea will give their all despite having nothing to play for this evening.

Chelsea will finish top of Champions League Group G regardless of the result against Sporting Lisbon, but Nani doesn’t expect Jose Mourinho’s side to take it easy on them.

The Blues have an unassailable 11 points, but Sporting, who have seven, know that they can be caught by Schalke if they lose.

Mourinho has indicated that he will be giving some youngsters such as Ruben Loftus-Cheek a chance to gain some experience, but Nani isn’t taking anything for granted.

“This match is decisive for us. It’s possible that one point will be enough but that is a dangerous view to take against a club like Chelsea,” Nani is quoted as saying by the Mirror.

“Will Chelsea be relaxed for this match? Never. I know teams that are managed by Jose Mourinho and there is no chance of that happening.

“I am convinced the Blues want to win this match to end the group stage with a triumph. We are expecting an intense match, the match of the season for us in Europe.”

Nani re-joined former side Sporting on loan from Manchester United in the summer and has been on impressive form, but a thigh injury means that he will be reduced to cheering from the sidelines.

The tricky winger’s absence will be a significant blow to Sporting and they can expect a severe test of their qualification credentials.