The goal Rubin scored at Stamford Bridge give the hosts hope they can overturn a two-goal deficit and make it to the semi-finals, although no doubt it is Chelsea that are much closer to the semi-final berth.

For a team that had conceded just one goal in seven fixtures in 2013, Rubin looked pretty poor at the back at Stamford Bridge, having shipped in two goals before half-time.

The penalty goal scored by Bibras Natcho helped the Russian get back into the game, but it was Fernando Torres who made it 3-1 with his second goal of the match.

Kurban Berdyev’s side now have a mountain to climb at Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, as witnessed by odds of 2.75 (7/4) offered at BetVictor on home win.

Meanwhile, the team have kept another clean sheet on domestic stage, making it four out of four in the New Year, and keeping another one of those could be crucial to their chances of producing a great comeback against Chelsea.

Jose Salomon Rondon looks set to start as Kurban Berdyev reverts to more positive approach, and the good news is there are no fresh injury worries for the Russian coach.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Ryzhikov – Kuzmin, Sharonov, Navas, Ansaldi – Orbaiz, Natcho – Karadeniz, R. Eremenko, Kasaev – Rondon.

These past couple of weeks have been extremely important for Chelsea, as the Blues look to try and save this season following numerous disappointments.

FA Cup triumph over Manchester United and convincing Europa League victory over Rubin helped the players restore the lost confidence after the 2-1 defeat to Southampton, while they also managed to come back from a goal behind to beat Sunderland last weekend.

The time has come for the Blues to turn their attention back to their European campaign, where they are now hot favourites to reach the semi-finals.

Even with a number of star players missing, Chelsea look a good bet to win in Moscow at 2.80 (9/5) offered at bet365.

Fernando Torres returns to the starting line-up, and after scoring a brace in the first leg the Spaniard is 3.40 (12/5) at Stan James to score at any time.

Rafa Benitez faces a genuine defensive headache with Ashley Cole and Gary Cahill out injured and Ryan Bertrand doubtful. This means that youngster Nathan Ake could get his first start of the season.

Demba Ba is cup-tied, but Frank Lampard, John Terry and Yossi Benayoun are all expected to start the return leg in Moscow.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Cech – Ivanovic, Luiz, Terry, Ake – Lampard, Mikel – Benayoun, Mata, Moses – Torres.

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