Maccabi Tel Aviv vs Chelsea: Preview & Prediction

Chelsea make the trip to Israel knowing a victory against Maccabi Tel Aviv could see them advance to the last-16.

The Blues are currently second in Group G, three points behind leaders Porto who host third-placed Dynamo Kiev.

And if the unbeaten Portuguese side can pick up three points against the Ukrainians then a point will see Jose Mourinho’s side through.

After a morale boosting victory over Norwich on Saturday, it’s back to European business for the London side.

Two wins from two home games has helped Mourinho’s side move on to seven points, but a defeat away to Porto, a draw in Kiev and just two victories from their last 10 away trips in the competition,  shows the Premier League champions are struggling for form away from Stamford Bridge.

Costa ended a six-match goal drought to score the winner against Norwich on Saturday

However, their hosts are the only team yet to pick up a point in this season’s Champions League, losing all four matches including the 4-0 defeat in the reverse fixture in September.

Diego Costa will be looking to go on a scoring run after ending a six-match goal drought with the winner against Norwich at the weekend.

Team News:

Chelsea have no new injury concerns ahead of the match, with every player travelling to Israel despite heightened security following the attacks in Paris.

For Maccabi, striker Dejan Radonjic could miss out with a calf injury, but midfielder Tal Ben Haim II is expected to feature.

Group Position: Maccabi Tel Aviv – 4th (0 pts); Chelsea – 2nd (7 pts)
Last Meeting: Chelsea 4-0 Maccabi Tel Aviv, September 16, 2015
Key Men: Maccabi Tel Aviv – Eran Zahavi; Chelsea – Diego Costa
Form (all competitions): Maccabi Tel Aviv – LLWLWW ; Chelsea – LLLWLW
Shoot Says: Maccabi Tel Aviv 0-2 Chelsea