On what looks set to be an emotional and dramatic night of European football, Chelsea host Jose Mourinho's Inter Milan with a place in the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League at stake.
The game sees former Chelsea boss Mourinho return to Stamford Bridge for the first time since he was sacked in September 2007.
The self-proclaimed 'Special One' enjoyed huge success during his three-and-a-half-year stint in West London, leading the Blues to successive league titles as well as FA and Carling Cup triumphs.
And the Portuguese is sure to receive a fantastic reception from the Chelsea faithful, many of whom were outraged when Roman Abramavich disposed of his services after a poor start to the 2007/08 league campaign.
The tie itself is interestingly poised after an exciting and somewhat controversial first-leg at the San Siro.
Inter secured a vital 2-1 lead heading into the tonight, courtesy of Esteban Cambiasso's powerful left-footed strike from the edge of the area.
Argentinian striker Diego Milito had given the Italians an early advantage before Saloman Kalou was denied what appeared to be a clear-cut penalty late in the first-half.
Kalou didn't dwell on the incident and levelled the game with a well-placed effort from 25 yards before Cambiasso's winner.
Although Chelsea have a one goal deficit to recover, their vital away goal and impressive Champions League home record will give Carlo Ancelotti's men real belief going into tonight's game.
The Blues are unbeaten in 21 home games in the competition and face an Inter side who have only three of their eleven games on English soil.
Despite the facts, Mourinho remains as confident as ever heading into tonight's clash.
He said: "Everybody knows Mourinho doesn't lose at Stamford Bridge. My record is unbeatable. It is amazing."
In the opposite dugout will be ex-AC Milan boss Ancelotti, a man he is rumoured to have fallen out with during the pair's time together in Serie A.
But the former Italian international was quick to play down his relationship the man who led Porto to Champions League glory in 2004.
He said: "It's a game between Chelsea and Inter, not me against Mourinho.
"It's a game that will be a fantastic one. We want to show our best. I think if Chelsea play at their best we win.
"We know it will be a difficult game against an excellent team, but I think we have a good possibility to do our best to win and go forward. The atmosphere is a good atmosphere to have before a game against Inter."
Ancelotti will be boosted by the return of Ricardo Carvalho who looks set to start after recovering from a hamstring injury sustained against Manchester City on February 27th.
Third-choice goalkeeper Ross Turnbull will keep his place after making his debut against West Ham last weekend while Petr Cech, Hilario, Michael Essien, Ashley Cole and Jose Bosingwa are all out injured.
Mourinho will be without the services of Thiago Motta (thigh), Marko Arnautovic (flu) and Mario Balotelli(knee).
- Joe Strange
Source: DSG
