For the first time ever, Chelsea will kick off their UEFA Champions League campaign as they attempt to defend their European title. That's right, Chelsea are the defending champions of the world's biggest club competition. Let that sink in for a moment...
They'll begin their defense with one of the toughest fixtures they could have drawn, as Serie A champions Juventus come to town. The lineups have dropped, and they'll look like this:
Chelsea: Petr Cech, Branislav Ivanovic, David Luiz, John Terry, Ashley Cole, John Obi Mikel, Frank Lampard, Oscar, Ramires, Eden Hazard, Fernando Torres
Subs: Ross Turnbull, Cesar Azpilicueta, Victor Moses, Ryan Bertrand, Juan Mata, Oriol Romeu, Gary Cahill
Juventus: Buffon, Chiellini, Bonucci, Barzagli; Lichtsteiner, Marchisio, Pirlo, Vidal, Asamoah; Vucinic, Giovinco.
Subs: Storari, Lúcio, Giaccherini, Quagliarella, Matri, Isla, Marrone
This is a tough fixture early in the group stage, so frankly any points at all would be a solid result. The other two teams in the group will be playing at the same time, as Shakhtar will host FC Nordsjaelland. With four of their remaining five fixtures in the group stage against Juventus and Chelsea, three points at home for Shakhtar against the group's weakest opponent will be absolutely critical. Most of us should be keeping an eye on the score of that one while we watch Chelsea begin their title defense. As always, keep it clean, no links to illegal streams, and have fun. Oh yeah, and GO OSCAR!