Champions League winners are in a very difficult position after losing in Donetsk, so no wonder Roberto Di Matteo dubs this game the most important of the season.

Shakhtar will remain in the driving seat if they avoid defeat at Stamford Bridge, while a victory would see them ensure progress into the knockout rounds.

Boosted by the impressive finish to the last season and a plethora of summer signings, the Blues enjoyed a bright start to the new campaign.

Roberto Di Matteo’s side quickly climbed to the Premier League summit, but their European showings left a lot to be desired.

Chelsea looked to be on track after the 2-2 home draw with Juventus was followed by a 4-0 away win over Nordsjaelland, but the 2-1 defeat in Donetsk changed everything.

The Blues remained in second place as Juventus failed to win in Denmark, but everybody at the club is aware the team need to beat Shakhtar in order to keep their qualifying hopes alive.

That will not be an easy task, as witnessed by odds of 2.05 (21/20) offered on home win at BetVictor.

John Terry returns to the side from a domestic ban, but both Juan Mata and David Luiz are doubtful through injury.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Cech – Ivanovic, Terry, Cahill, Cole – Mikel, Ramires – Oscar, Mata, Hazard – Torres.

Shakhtar have been on the major uptrend over the last few years, but this is clearly team’s best season in recent history.

The Miners have been absolutely amazing on domestic stage, winning all 17 games this season, while also largely impressing in Europe.

Mircea Lucescu’s side should probably have maximum nine points given that they completely outclassed all their opponents in group stage, but the odds are they will be happy even with seven points.

Despite being three and four points clear of Chelsea and Juventus respectively, Shakhtar can still be backed at 2.10 (11/10) at SkyBet to finish in first place.

Having scored in every single competitive fixture this season, the Miners are 1.40 (2/5) with Stan James to continue the amazing run at the Bridge.

After resting most of his starters in the 2-0 win over Metalurh Zaorizhya, boss Mircea Lucescu will restore his strongest line-up.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Pyatov – Srna, Kucher, Rakitskiy, Rat – Hubschman, Fernandinho – Alex Teixeira, Mkhitaryan, Willian – Luiz Adriano.