Chelsea play Porto at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night seeking a place in the Champions League knockout stages to grant beleaguered manager Jose Mourinho a reprieve. Here Press Association Sport looks at some of the talking points entering the tie.
Testing patience
Chelsea are 14th in the Premier League, with Mourinho appearing to concede defeat in his side's bid for a top-four finish after last Saturday's loss to newly-promoted Bournemouth. It was their eighth of the season, their fourth at home. Owner Roman Abramovich was shown watching part of the game with his head in his hands and for a man notorious for sacking managers, his patience is being tested. Defeat to Porto could mean the end for Mourinho - unless Abramovich is even more patient than we all think.
Cup of solace?
Chelsea and Mourinho, a winner of the European Cup with Porto in 2004 and Inter Milan in 2010, have enjoyed some respite from their domestic destruction in Europe and must avoid defeat to advance to the knockout stages. Win and they will top the group and a draw would be enough for second, assuming Dynamo Kiev beat Maccabi Tel Aviv. A win could be the catalyst to revive Chelsea's season, but that has been said before, hasn't it?
G for glory or E for Europa League?
When Group G was drawn, it appeared favourable for Chelsea, the champions of England. A loss at Estadio do Dragao to Porto changed that, then the Blues drew in Ukraine. A second loss to Porto would almost certainly see Chelsea fall into the Europa League they won in 2013. Mourinho derided predecessor Rafael Benitez's success while insisting Chelsea were not a Europa League club. He could come to regret such comments.
Emotional attachment
Mourinho felt the Chelsea supporters' backing for him during the November 4 home win over Dynamo Kiev was "my moment" and said the reception was better even than on his return in August 2013. The fans made clear their feelings for the self-proclaimed Special One with repeated chants of his name, which Abramovich will have heeded. But five weeks on, and with little sign of a corner being turned, the fans' allegiance towards their manager may be tested, too.
Sit in with Costa?
The defending champions, at home, sending a team out without a recognised striker to play against Premier League rookies Bournemouth attracted some criticism. Striker Diego Costa came on at half-time, but his contribution amounted to committing a few fouls and not reaching crosses. With his leading weapon floundering, what should Mourinho do? Trust in a man who has done little to convince with seven goals since January, choose a different striker, or go with Eden Hazard as a "false nine"?
Source: PA-WIRE
