Chelsea v Basel: line-ups and key battles assessed as the Blues near their second successive European final
Chelsea took a huge step towards a second successive European final last week, as David Luiz handed the Blues victory with the final kick of the game.
Two away goals have handed the impetus to Rafa Benitez's side, but as Basel proved a little over a month ago against Tottenham Hotspur, they are able to grab goals away from home, too.
Benitez has called for caution, and will have to stop complacency from creeping into his side, as the Spaniard bids to end his interim Blues reign with silverware. While there will be question marks surrounding the inclusion of last week's hero David Luiz, as well as Ryan Bertrand and Ramires, all of whom will miss the final should they receive another booking.
That will leave Benitez with a slight selection head-ache, although he will be the first to admit that he is blessed with a rich depth of talent to deputise. Chelsea remain huge favourites however, but this tie is far from over.
Key battles
Frank Lampard v Mohamed Elneny
Frank Lampard can draw level with Bobby Tambling's Chelsea goal record, after his strike against Swansea last weekend moved the veteran midfielder one goal closer. After hobbling off at the weekend and with the threat of a potential suspension hanging over his head, Rafa Benitez is likely to leave out midfield enforcer Ramires. Lampard's ability to influence games should not be underestimated, and it will be down to Mohamed Elneny in central midfield to nullify that threat. Elneny will be wary of Lampard's movement from deep and will be preparing for a busy night.
Victor Moses v Gaston Sauro
With first choice centre-back Aleksandar Dragovic suspended after picking up a yellow card in the first leg, suggestions are that Gaston Sauro will deputise in central defence. With Dragovic missing, Fabian Schar will lead the Basel defensive line, which means that it could be down to Sauro to track the runs of Moses, who was lively in the first leg. The Chelsea attacker was rested for last weekend's visit of Swansea, and should expect to feature against Basel after opening the scoring and enjoying great success in Switzerland last week.
Fernando Torres v himself
Despite returning to London with two away goals, Chelsea will be kicking themselves that they couldn't make the most of their opportunities in Switzerland. Torres had chances to add to his own Europa League account, having proved to be the difference maker against Rubin Kazan in the last round, and with the Spaniard almost guaranteed a start with Demba Ba cup-tied, he will hope to rectify his own wastefulness this time around.
talkSPORT verdict
Chelsea undoubtedly have the advantage on Thursday night and the smart money would be on the Blues to reach their second continental final in succession. While some continue to question their desire to win the Europa League, Rafa Benitez will be hoping to end his interim spell with silverware, so will field a strong side. Chelsea shouldn't let complacency creep into their ranks and while Basel have won just once in their last five fixtures in all competitions, they have shown time and again just how dangerous they can be in this competition.
Potential line-ups
Chelsea (4-2-3-1)
Cech; Azpilicueta, Ivanovic, Terry, Bertrand; David Luiz, Lampard; Hazard, Mata, Moses; Torres
Basel (4-3-3)
Sommer; Park Joo-ho, Sauro, Schar, Degen; Geoffroy, El-Neny, Frei; Salah, Stocker, Streller
Will Chelsea make it two European finals in a row, or can Basel spring another surprise? Let us know by commenting below.
Chelsea v FC Basel is live on talkSPORT 1089/1053am, online and on DAB from 7pm.