Champions League Preview: Chelsea vs. Bayern Leverkusen

Chelsea's Biggest Threat

Yet another English team against a German team in the Champions League as Chelsea’s Andre Villas-Boas starts his Champions League campaign trying to emulate or even better his former mentor José Mourinho . Even though this may not look like an instant classic this match could well be a close one as both teams sit in their respective top four's and have had decent starts to the season. Chelsea are looking a lot like Mourinho's Chelsea with the only focus being winning matches without any thought of the scoreline. Unlike last season, Chelsea has not demolished any team 6-0 or 5-0, a feat that is all too common in both sides of Manchester, but they still have won three out of their last four games with one draw and are unbeaten in the last ten games. Robin Dutt’s Leverkusen has achieved the same feat as Chelsea in the last four but an opening week loss pegs them back a little. Chelsea who have a tough (yes, I’m being modest) fixture against a rampant, brilliant and downright ruthless Manchester United will really be thinking of the league just as much as this fixture. Chelsea wo managed a 2-1 victory at Sunderland would be a little weary of Dortmund who came back from 1-0 deficit to win 4-1 against FC Augsborg. Chelsea who will probably start Fernando Torres after putting him on the bench to make way for Sturridge, who scored a cheeky back-heel goal against Sunderland, will hope that he finally shows he’s worth even 5 million of the 50 million spent on him. Leverkusen would be hoping Ballack has the key to open up the Chelsea defence as he has played over 100 matches for The Blues in a successful period for the club.

Trivia 

• Chelsea has never lost to German opposition in the Champions League. 
• Leverkusen have won just two out of their last fifteen games against English opposition. 
• Bayer Leverkusen will be competing in the competition for the first time in seven years and their last appearance was a defeat to Liverpool in the last sixteen knockout stage.
• Chelsea have won seven out of their last nine opening UEFA Champions League matches. 
• Andre Villas-Boas is the youngest manager in history to claim a major European championship.

Odds
Chelsea: 5/2
Draw: 10/3
Bayer Leverkusen: 8/1.

Prediction: Chelsea 3-1 Bayern Leverkusen
As much as we all love an upset, I don’t see one here. Chelsea should beat Bayern Leverkusen quite easily if they can hold off Ballack and Sam.