Champions League Preview: Chelsea vs. Bayer Leverkusen

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich, his annual quest for the holy grail of the Champions League that he so desperately wants to bring to Stamford Bridge and will spend hundreds of millions and sack any and every manager who is unable to deliver it. New boss Andre-Villas Boas must know that the Champions League is what turns the Russian owner on and he will want to get off to a storming start tonight at home to Bayer Leverkusen. And history is definitely on their side as Chelsea have never lost at home to German opposition and they are unbeaten in the Champions League at Stamford Bridge in eight years, whilst Leverkusen usually come unstuck against English sides, winning just 2 of 15 attempts against Premier League sides. Team News Having professionally put Sunderland to the sword on Saturday afternoon, Chelsea might rest a few players tonight with Fernando Torres likely to return to the starting line up having lost his starting place in the League to Daniel Sturridge, who scored a cheeky back heel at the Stadium of the Light. Frank Lampard and John Terry could make way and the likes of Florent Malouda and Josh McEachran will be hoping to start after only making the bench. Definitely out for Chelsea are Brazilian midfielder Ramieres who is suspended following the defeat to Manchester United in last season's competition, striker Didier Drogba, long term absentee Michael Essien (knee) and Romelu Lukaku and Ryan Bertrand didn't make the European squad cut. Raul Meireles looked sharp against Sunderland at the weekend and will be wanting game time in his new side. Whilst former Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack will play against his former team tonight. Chelsea (from): Cech, Ivanovic, Bosingwa, Ferreira, Terry, Luiz, Alex, Cole, Mikel, Romeu, McEachran, Lampard, Meireles, Mata, Malouda, Torres, Anelka, Sturridge, Kalou, Hilario. Prediction - 2-0 Chelsea vs. Bayer Leverkusen is live on Sky Sports 2 tonight. Tonight's Champions League preview was brought to you by Spreads.org.uk Financial Betting Guide - learn about spread betting and making money on foreign exchange markets.