The defending champs no longer controller their own destiny after what have been some of the most dreadful weeks of Chelsea's past year. The seven straight winless matches are one thing in the premier league, but to lose an opportunity to lose your championship defense in the group stage is another thing completely.
The cream of Europe last spring has their backs against the wall. They must win their final match against Nordsjallend, but even if they do, it guarantees them absolutely nothing as a draw in the Shakhtar Donetsk/Juventus match would eliminate them nonetheless. The only result that benefits Chelsea from that match is a Shakhtar Donetsk victory. Otherwise, they must head over to the Europa League. Chelsea's UCL woes started when they blew a 2-0 lead against Juventus and had to settle for a 2-2 draw. They fought back with a dominant 4-0 win over Nordsjaelland, but a 2-1 loss to Shakhtar Donetsk started their dreadful run in both leagues. They bounced back to take their only win in seven weeks, but then lost to Juventus by an embarrassing 3-0 score to put them in their current predicament. Judging from their last match against Nordsjaelland on the road, Chelsea should trample over the Danish side at home, but with their play of late anything can happen.
Nordsjaelland turned out to be the punching bag in Group E as they have just one point that they earned from a draw with Juventus. Otherwise the team has given up 16 goals , more than any other team in the UCL.
Prediction: Nordsjaelland will come out aggressive and with Chelsea's confidence so low, I do not think this will be their best game. Nonetheless Rafael Benitez is bound to get his first win; 3-1 Chelsea.
Start Time: 2:45 PM EST
TV Info: Fox Soccer Channel