Chelsea travel to Ukraine to face Dynamo Kyiv in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday looking to build on their 2-0 victory over Aston Villa in the Barclays Premier League.
The Blues sit third in Group G, one point behind leaders Dynamo, with three points from their opening two fixtures after defeat against FC Porto last time out. Dynamo meanwhile are unbeaten in Group G, making a confident start to their European campaign after drawing with Porto, before beating Maccabi Tel Aviv 2-0.
And the Ukrainians boast an impressive record at home in European competitions; losing just one of their last ten fixtures, winning seven and drawing two. However, the side from Kyiv saw their 38-match unbeaten run in the Ukrainian Premier League come to an end on Friday, after a 3-0 defeat at home against Shakhtar Donetsk.
And Mourinho will be hoping the defeat will give the Blues the upper hand following their victory over Villa, in the first ever encounter between the two sides.
The Blues are likely to name the same back five to those who started against Villa, with Thibaut Courtois and Branislav Ivanovic still injured, whilst Ruben Loftus-Cheek may start once again after impressing against Villa. Mourinho confirmed in his press conference that Pedro, Remy and Ivanovic have not travelled.
However, it remains to be seen whether Eden Hazard will start after being dropped to the bench on Saturday for tactical reasons.
Dynamo may be without the influential Serhiy Rybalka for the clash though coach Serhiy Rebrov hopes he will be fit in time.
Rybalka is our key midfielder, he is orchestrating our game, he is aggressive and vigorous. Unfortunately, Rybalka is suffering from a micro tear in his muscle, but I hope he will be fit for Chelsea.
