Source: Telegraph
Chelsea v Atlético Madrid: match preview
Stamford Bridge
Kick-off: 17.30.
TV: ITV1 7.30pm, ITV HD 7.30pm.
Key battle: John Terry v Sergio Agüero: Chelsea considered a move for Agüero in the summer but were put off by the asking price and his wage demands. They also wondered if the Argentine striker was ready. Given recent defensive concerns Terry, who has been in imperious form, will have to take even more responsibility to quell the 21 year-old.
Touchline duel: Carlo Ancelotti v Abel Resino: The Atlético coach is a hero at the club from his playing days as a goalkeeper, when he was named 'El Gato’ for his sharp reflexes. In 14 years Resino made more than 300 appearances.
At one time he held the record, 1,275 minutes, for not conceding a goal. But Resino, who took over in February, is already under pressure with his team back in15th place in La Liga. He has been told his job is safe – for now.
Talking tactics: Resino appears likely to recall the fit-again Diego Forlán and use his potent forward line as a counter-attacking threat while packing his midfield in a narrow 4-4-2. The coach will also try and exploit Chelsea’s current set-piece vulnerability. But then again Atlético have been a defensive shambles themselves this season.
What they're saying:
Ancelotti: "Atletico have not started the season well, but they have a very good quality. In attack they have Sergio Aguero and Diego Forlan who are dangerous strikers. We have to pay attention to this. Aguero has fantastic quality and he can resolve the match with his quality. They're a good team but, at this moment, they haven't found a good disposition tactically on the pitch."
Resino: "We are in a bad situation at the moment and we need to turn it around. It is easy to talk badly about the situation but it is a great motivation to be playing Chelsea. We need to play in a relaxed manner and that is what we are trying to do. We can win. We are in a bad moment but we are working hard."
Team details (probable)
Chelsea (4-3-2-1: Cech; Ivanovic, Terry, Carvalho, A Cole; Ballack, Essien, Lampard; Deco, Kalou; Anelka.
Atletico Madrid (4-4-2): Asenjo; Ujfalusi, Juanito, Perea, Antonio Lopez; Jurado, Paulo Assuncao, Cleber Santana, Simao; Forlan, Aguero.
Referee: Florian Meyer (Germany).
