Wednesday 22nd August 2012
Kick-off: 20.45
(live @ Sky Calcio 3)
Stamford Bridge
Chelsea FC
(4th)
v
Reading
(9th)
Kick-off: 20.45
(live @ Sky Calcio 3)
Stamford Bridge
Chelsea FC
(4th)
v
Reading
(9th)
• Chelsea had just six shots in their opening game against Wigan on Sunday, their fewest in a Premier League game since September 2007 (four versus Man Utd).
• Reading were forced into more defensive clearances on the opening weekend than any other team in the Premier League (57).
Chelsea midfielder Ramires has been cleared to play after recovering from the illness that kept him out of proceedings last weekend. Marko Marin remains sidelined, and could be out for up to four weeks with the hamstring injury he picked up during pre-season training. David Luiz reveals via twitter he is expected to miss tonight's match with a knee problem. Gary Cahill is now likely to deputise at Stamford Bridge in his absence.
P Cech • B Ivanovic, G Cahill, J Terry, A Cole • J Obi Mikel, F Lampard • Ramires, JM Mata, E Hazard • F Torres
Brian McDermott takes his side to Stamford Bridge without the suspended Jason Roberts and hamstring victim Jimmy Kebe. McDermott could put out an unchanged side, although Gareth McCleary will be pushing for inclusion having come off the bench to win the spot-kick against Stoke at the weekend. He could replace Hal Robson-Kanu.
A Federici • C Gunter, A Pearce, K Gorkss, I Harte • G McCleary, D Guthrie, M Leigertwood, J McAnuff • P Pogrebnyak, A le Fondre
