Champions League
Nov 5, 2014 7.45pm
1
1
HT : 0 0
FT
  • Zeljko Filipovic 36' yellowcard
  • Agim Ibraimi 50' goal
  • Petar Stojanovic 53' yellowcard
  • Mitja Viler 85' yellowcard
  • yellowcard Filipe Luis 24'
  • goal Nemanja Matic 73'

Team News: Diego Costa on bench for Chelsea's Champions League game with Maribor

Costa on bench for Chelsea

Diego Costa has only been named as a substitute for Chelsea's Champions League clash with Maribor this evening, with Didier Drogba taking his place up front.

The Spanish striker started the 2-1 victory over Queens Park Rangers on Saturday, and questions have been raised about his ability to play twice in a week due to a troublesome hamstring problem.

Drogba's recall as the spearhead of the attack marks his 100th appearances in UEFA competition, and is one of four changes made by Blues boss Jose Mourinho from their London derby success.

Petr Cech is given an outing in place of Thibaut Courtois in goal, while Kurt Zouma is handed another opportunity to impress in central defence alongside John Terry. Andre Schurrle comes in for Oscar in midfield.

Chelsea, who won the reverse fixture at Stamford Bridge 6-0, can qualify for the knockout stages of the tournament tonight if they win and Sporting Lisbon fail to beat Schalke 04 in Group G's other fixture.

Maribor team news to follow.

Maribor: Handanovic, Rajcevic, Viler, Arghus, Z. Filipovic, Sallalich, Ibraimi, Stojanovic, Mertelj, Tavares, Zahovic

Chelsea: Cech; Ivanovic, Zouma, Terry, Filipe Luis; Matic, Fabregas; Schurrle, Willian, Hazard; Drogba Subs: Courtois, Cahill, Azpilicueta, Ramires, Oscar, Salah, Diego Costa

Follow Sports Mole's live text coverage of the match by clicking here.

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