Match to be played on Wednesday February 26 2014 at 19:45 GMT. Venue: Turk Telekom Arena, Turkey.
Galatasaray is notorious for being one of the most difficult places for any opposing side to go and play football.
Chelsea head into the game looking forward to a reunion with striker Didier Drogba and off the back of a late win over the weekend against Everton.
Jose Mourinho has some selection dilemmas to contend with such as who to replace the ineligible Nemanja Matic but he can still name a very strong eleven.
GK – Petr Cech
Cech is one of the most reliable players at the back of Chelsea’s team. He should pull off some key saves which keep his side in the tie.
RB – Cesar Azpilicueta
He’s been playing very well at left-back but this game could see him switched over to the right. Defensively he’s reliable and he offers good pace going forward.
CB – Gary Cahill
Cahill has a good game against Everton so he’ll be confident heading into this match. He’s got enough pace and agility to cope with the attacking movement the Turkish side possesses.
CB – Branislav Ivanovic
Ivanovic has been a consistent performer in Chelsea’s back four all season. He’s able to absorb a lot of pressure and shouldn’t have any problems slotting into the centre of Chelsea’s defence.
LB – Ashley Cole
Cole will be extremely fresh because he’s not had a lot of football for the side in recent weeks. His experience will be crucial if the defence is forced to tighten up and take a lot of pressure.
RM – Willian
Willian will provide the width out on the right hand side. He needs to stay out wide and resist the urge to come into central areas if the midfield gets heavily congested during the match.
DM – John Obi Mikel
With Matic not able to play, Jose Mourinho could throw Mikel back into the midfield to protect the defence and break up the play.
CM – Ramires
Ramires will most likely be the player who sits and pulls the strings in the middle of the team. He has experience of playing a defensive role this season, which will again be very useful if the Blues are under a lot of pressure.
AM – Oscar
Oscar will play s the most advanced of the central midfielders. His job will be to sit in behind the main striker, looking to create chances and get into good positions to score himself.
LM – Eden Hazard
Hazard wasn’t at his best against Everton over the weekend but he should keep his place. He’s one of the few players who can win this game for Chelsea in a second.
ST – Samuel Eto’o
Eto’o’s experience will be vital in this game because he has played in several similar matches before. Chelsea need him to be firing on all cylinders.
image: © tekinim
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