Venue: Stamford Bridge Date: Thursday, 4th April K/o: 20:05 Chelsea will be without injured left-back Ashley Cole for at least two weeks after the England international limped out of Easter Monday's 1-0 FA Cup win over Manchester United with a hamstring injury. Ryan Bertrand is set to deputise and will be supported at the back by the experienced John Terry, who is expected to come back into the fold to replace the injured Gary Cahill. Frank Lampard is also set for a recall, while Fernando Torres will lead the line with Demba Ba ineligible. Rubin Kazan will be without injured duo Alexander Ryazantsev and Yann M'Vila, while midfielder Alan Kasaevis is doubtful after missing the 2-0 win over Lokomotiv Moscow last time out. Israeli Bibras Natkho, who scored in that game, is fit to face the Londoners.
Match Preview
Chelsea face their second game in four days tonight as they prepare to welcome Rubin Kazan to Stamford Bridge for the first leg of the Europa League quarter finals. Tonight's game will be the Blues' third in a run of eight fixtures over 23 days, and their 56th game of the season overall which is pushing Rafael Benitez' side to their limits. Already players are dropping like flies as Ashley Cole limped out of Easter Monday's FA Cup clash with Manchester United as physical exertions begin to take their toll. But Chelsea must dust themselves down and get ready to go again if they are to remain in contention for silverware on two fronts, and while the Europa League represents one of two trophies the Blues can win this season, it is not the one they would have hoped for at the beginning of the campaign following their Champions League success last season. But ensuring they remain seated at Europe's top table next season is of paramount importance for Chelsea this season and winning this competition could be an alternative ticket back into the Champions League if they surrender 4th place spot to Arsenal in the Premier League. Rubin Kazan meanwhile will be hoping to put the brakes on Chelsea's march toward silverware tonight however and have claimed the scalps of Europa League holders Atletico Madrid and Levante to reach the last eight, while they are currently fourth in the Russian League and are on a five-match unbeaten run.
Likely Line-Ups
Chelsea Cech, Azpilicueta, Ivanovic, Terry, Bertrand, Ramires, Oscar, Lampard, Mata, Hazard, Torres
Rubin Kazan Ryzhikov, Kuzmin, Marcano Sharonov, Kaleshin, Orbaiz, Natkho, Karadeniz, Eremenko, Kasaev, Rondon Source:
Sky Sports