Cheslea have suffered another poor run of results in recent weeks but under-pressure manager Carlo Ancelotti has new striker Fernando Torres to call upon for their clash with FC Copenhagen in the Champions League on Tuesday (Copenhagen 4/1, draw 12/5, Chelsea 7/10). Can the misfiring Spanish striker deliver in Denmark?
Torres has failed to score in the two appearances he has made for the Blues since his £50m move from Liverpool in the January transfer window.
The Spain international could not score past his former club or local rivals Fulham and will now have his next opportunity to open his Chelsea account at the Parken Stadoin on Tuesday night.
Chelsea are also likely to bring Michael Essien, Jose Bosingwa and Nicolas Anelka into the starting line-up for the game in Denmark.
The defending Premier League champions were given the most favourable draw of all the English teams left in Champions League and they will be expected to go into the second leg at Stamford bridge with a lead.
However, this game will not be easy considering Chelsea’s fragile confidence and inability to get results in recent weeks.
What is unclear is what shape FC Copenhagen will be in, as they have not played a competitive game for the last two months due to their winter break.
They are currently leading the Danish league but will they be rusty after the barren spell of games or will their fresh legs carry them through against the Blues? One thing is certain that they will be bang up for the contest and will make it difficult for Ancelotti’s men.
Despite their poor form, Chelsea should still have too much for Copenhagen to deal with, however, and don’t be surprised to see Torres (4/5 to score anytime) bag his first goal for his new club.
In Tuesday night’s other Champions League clash, Lyon host La Liga title-chasers Real Madrid (Lyon 16/5, draw 12/5, Real 5/6).
The Spanish giants have looked impressive in Europe this season despite being five points behind arch rivals Barcelona in their domestic league.
Real have only suffered one defeat in their last 11 outings in all competitions, though, and they will be full of confidence going into the game at the Stade Gerland.
However, Real have a poor record against Lyon and they will be tested again despite being determined to put their Champions League defeat against these opponents last season behind them.
Lyon will be difficult to beat at home but they will have to get something out of the game on Tuesday if they want to stand any chance of progressing in the tournament.
The French side are currently four points off top place in Ligue 1 and are themselves in good form, with only one loss in their last 17 games in all competition.
However with the likes of Ronaldo, Kaka, Angel Di Maria and former Lyon star Karim Benzema all in good form, Real should have a lead going into the second leg at the Santiago Bernabeu.
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