UEFA Champions League: Chelsea v Bayer Leverkusen Preview

Chelsea v Bayer Leverkusen, 19.45 K.O (Local Time)

Champions League Group E

Stamford Bridge, London

Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas is expected to make changes to his squad for tonight's Champions' League group stage opener against Bayer Leverkusen.

"You'll see some changes," said Villas-Boas, admitting he also has Sunday's trip to Manchester United in mind.

"Then we'll make wise decisions for Sunday. It is very tight. Most of the players were away with their countries last week, we played at Sunderland on Saturday and now we have this European match. We have only four days to recover for Old Trafford and this has to play a part in my team selection," he continued.

The two sides have not played each other in the Champions League before and there is no head to head record between the two sides. However, Chelsea have yet to be beaten by German opposition in the Champions League at Stamford Bridge whilst Bayer Leverkusen have never won a Champions League encounter on English soil, clearly it will be a tough ask for the German side to get off to a winning start.

Michael Ballack returns to Stamford Bridge and will no doubt receive a standing ovation after spending four years at the club, playing 104 games for the club in a successful period for the club.

The 2011/12 UEFA Champions League season will make Chelsea's tenth attempt to win the Champions League and Andre Villas-Boas will be under pressure to deliver the title his boss craves.

Chelsea have won seven out of their last nine opening UEFA Champions League match day one games. Bayer Leverkusen will be competing in the competition for the first time in seven years and their last appearance was a last sixteen defeat to Liverpool.

Chelsea will be without Ramires (suspended) Michael Essien (knee injury) and Didier Drogba is a doubt after a head injury during Chelsea's Premier League match with Norwich 27 August.

Bayer Leverkusen head into the game in fine form after a good start to the Bundesliga season. The German side won 4-1 on the weekend against Augsburg, and have recorded three wins, two draws and one defeat in their first five games.

Probable Line-Ups

Chelsea (4-3-3) - Cech, Terry, Luiz, Cole, Ivanovic, Mikel, Meireles, Lampard, Malouda, Sturridge, Torres

Bayer Leverkusen (4-5-1) - Leno, Reinartz, Toprak, Castro, Kadlec, Bender, Rolfes, Ballack, Sam, Augusto, Keissling

Prediction: Chelsea 4-0 Bayer Leverkusen