2 hours ago
1
It's been a challenging couple of weeks for Chelsea.
A series of injuries, red cards, and disheartening losses has left a sour taste, with Enzo Maresca under increasing pressure to change the team's fortunes swiftly. The Blues have kicked off the new season on a sluggish note, with fatigue from an exhausting Club World Cup campaign, key players missing, and a lack of synergy on the pitch leading to three losses and two draws in their first eight matches.
Next up is a Champions League face-off with Benfica. What initially seemed like an easy game has now turned into a potentially explosive, high-stakes encounter due to the recent appointment of Jose Mourinho as the Portuguese club's manager.
This removes any respite Chelsea might have hoped for after tough away games against Bayern Munich and Manchester United, and with a challenging visit from Liverpool on the horizon this weekend.
For the Blues, this increasingly feels like a must-win game - not just to keep their Champions League knockout stage dreams alive, but also to salvage something from a string of disappointing performances.
Maresca may think twice before resting key players ahead of the Liverpool game, but with rhythm and consistency lacking, it's difficult to determine who is truly indispensable at this point. For those keen to follow every moment, here's all you need to know...
What time is Chelsea vs Benfica?
Chelsea's game against Benfica is scheduled for Tuesday, 30 September at Stamford Bridge, London. The kick-off is slated for 8pm local time, which is 3pm ET and midday PT.
How can I watch Chelsea vs Benfica in the UK and US?
The Chelsea vs Benfica match will be aired live on TNT Sports 1 and TNT Sports Ultimate in the UK. Coverage of the game will commence from 7pm local time. TNT Sports subscribers in the UK can watch the match on the Discovery+ app on their mobile or tablet devices for on-the-go streaming.
In the United States, the match will be broadcast on Paramount+.
Tuesday's Champions League coverage in the United States will start with 'UEFA Champions League Matchday' on Paramount+ and CBS Sports Golazo Network from 12pm ET (9am PT), with 'UEFA Champions League Today' starting on Paramount+ and CBS Sports Network from 2pm ET (11am PT).
What's the team news for Chelsea?
Chelsea will be missing several key players for the tie, including Cole Palmer, who is out with a groin injury. Maresca has confirmed that the influential midfielder won't return until after the forthcoming international break, although fears he may need surgery have been allayed.
Levi Colwill and Liam Delap are also unavailable, facing extended periods on the sidelines due to ACL and hamstring injuries, respectively. Adding to Chelsea's defensive concerns, Wesley Fofana and Tosin Adarabioyo are expected to miss the game after both recently sustained calf injuries.
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
On a positive note, Trevoh Chalobah, who was sent off against Brighton on Saturday, is now available - though he will miss the upcoming clash with Liverpool, adding further pressure on Fofana and Adarabioyo's recovery.
Summer recruit Dario Essugo, who sustained a thigh injury earlier this month, is also expected to be out of action for a considerable period, leaving Moises Caicedo with little respite. The return of Romeo Lavia at the weekend could offer some much-needed relief, but given his lengthy stint on the treatment table, Chelsea are unlikely to hasten his comeback.
How has Chelsea performed against Benfica in the past?
Chelsea boasts a flawless competitive record against Benfica, having won all four encounters. Their most recent clash was at the Club World Cup this summer, where the Blues triumphed 4-1 after extra time in the round of 16.
Before that, Chelsea defeated Benfica 2-1 in the 2013 Europa League final, courtesy of an added-time winner from Branislav Ivanovic. In the previous season, the Blues ousted Benfica in the Champions League quarterfinals en route to their historic 2012 victory, winning 3-1 on aggregate.
English (US) ·