The league campaign temporarily goes on hold this week as knockout football takes centre stage in the Europa League and FA Cup, starting in the Czech Republic later today.
Chelsea faces Sparta Prague at the Stadion Letna at 6pm, hoping to continue the form that saw Chelsea beat Wigan 4-1 in the last match.
But Sparta are unlikely to be pushovers given that they qualified for this stage by progressing from a tough group that included Athletic Bilbao and Lyon, having already beaten Feyenoord in a qualifying play-off.
It should be an emotional occasion for Petr Cech, recently crowned the Czech Republic’s Footballer of the Year, as he returns to his former club, and he will welcome them back to Stamford Bridge next Thursday as the tie is decided in the second leg.
The second knockout match of the week comes on Sunday, when Chelsea host Brentford in an FA Cup fourth-round replay. The first game at Griffin Park resulted in a 2-2 draw, with Oscar and Fernando Torres getting Chelsea’s goals, meaning Chelsea and Brentford will meet again at midday with a fifth round tie at Middlesbrough on offer for the winner.
The omens are good given that Chelsea are undefeated in three games at the Bridge, including victories over Wigan and Arsenal, while the League One opponents haven’t won away from home since Boxing Day.
