Rubin Kazan vs Chelsea Europa League Preview

Goals from Fernando Torres and Victor Moses in the first leg allow Rafa Benitez's men a bit of breathing space as they make the long trip to the Russian capital.

By Al Hain-Cole, Goal.com editor.

PROBABLE LINEUPS 

RUBIN KAZAN 

Ryzhikov 

Kaleshin, Navas, Sharonov, Ansaldi 

Orbaiz, Natcho

Kasaev, Eremenko, Karadeniz 

Rondon 

CHELSEA 

Cech 

Azpilicueta, Ivanovic, Terry, Bertrand 

Lampard, Mikel

Moses, Oscar, Hazard 

Torres 

TEAM NEWS

Vladimir Dyadyun will compete for a place up front with Salomon Rondon for the hosts, who have no injury concerns to speak of.

Cesar Navas, Ivan Marcano and Roman Sharonov will fight for two places in the centre of defence, while Oleg Kuzmin may replace Gokdeniz Karadeniz on the right-hand side of midfield.

Chelsea face a potential dilemma at left-back, where Ashley Cole's (hamstring) usual deputy Ryan Bertrand is struggling with a virus. Nathan Ake is the club's only other natural left-back, while Paulo Ferreira could fill in from his preferred right-back position.

Gary Cahill is still a couple of weeks away from returning after undergoing minor arthroscopic surgery to shave the meniscus on the knee he damaged in last month's win against West Ham.

With Demba Ba cup-tied, Fernando Torres will continue up front, having scored twice in the first leg at Stamford Bridge.

David Luiz, Ramires and Juan Mata are likely to be rested after playing three games in less than a week, so John Terry, Frank Lampard and Victor Moses should come into the starting line-up.

Bale 'most effective as a striker', says Villas-Boas

He has the high praise of Zinedine Zidane ringing in his ears, and Gareth Bale is set to demonstrate why when he faces Basel.

Tottenham's wing wizard has smashed 27 goals so far this season, to attract the attention of the Real Madrid legend.

With Jermain Defoe injured and Emmanuel Adebayor out of form, Bale is set to again play at centre-forward in Thursday night's Europa League quarter-final first leg against the Swiss at White Hart Lane.

Villas-Boas said of the Welshman: “With his run of form, as a striker he is most effective.

"He is extremely comfortable playing as a striker. The more he plays there the more he is likely to be helping the team.”

The north Londoners have already responded to fears they would repeat last year’s end-of-season collapse by winning at Swansea on Saturday.

Bale’s super strike in that match was his 27th of the season and his 13th goal in his last 14 matches. He has also scored in two of his last three Europa League matches.

That weekend victory in Wales lifted Spurs above AVB’s former club Chelsea and re-established the confidence that has been carrying them through their impressive season.

Now, they are hoping to capitalise on home advantage ahead of what promises to be a tough trip to Switzerland next week.

Basel held Manchester United to a 3-3 draw at Old Trafford in the Champions League last season, then went on to produce two more huge upsets in the competition, both on their own turf.

First, they beat United, knocking Fergie's men out at the group stage in the process, then followed that up with victory over eventual finalists Bayern Munich in the first leg of a last-16 tie.

This season, they have thumped Portuguese giants Sporting Lisbon 3-0 at home in the Europa League's group phase, but have yet to win a single away fixture in six attempts.

Still, Villas-Boas added: “Basel have European experience that we don’t have.

“They have had tremendous results against United, Sporting and Bayern - teams they have surprised.

“The quarter-finalists are all difficult teams to play because all eight teams believe they can win the trophy.

“The key to the game will be the motivation of the teams and the quality of the individuals.

"You have to admit we have superior players but their recent European experience in the Champions League makes them also one of the favourites.”

Spurs midfielder Scott Parker has revealed AVB made it clear to the squad at the start of the season that he wanted to regain the Europa League title, which he lifted with Porto in 2011 before taking the Chelsea job.

In stark contrast to fellow quarter-finalists Chelsea and Newcastle, both of whom want to win the trophy to salvage disappointing campaigns, the Europa League has always been high on the Tottenham manager’s agenda.

Parker said of the Portuguese, who replaced Harry Redknapp last summer: “He told us from the outset that we were going to try to win it. That we were going to go strong and it was a part of our season that we needed to look at.

“He set it out from the outset, that this was a road we were going down so we always knew it.

“And I think from the previous years or other times in competitions, you take a lesser squad or you rest certain players.

“But it’s never been the case this season. I think every player has been fully aware of how much the manager wants to do well in this tournament.”

“It’s a big competition, there’s big teams in it as well. If you’ve come away at the end of the season and you’ve won this competition you’ve done bloody well.

“You deserve a lot of credit, as a squad and as a team to achieve that, because it’s difficult, playing Thursdays and Sundays.

“There are big teams coming into it when the Champions League boys get knocked out. It’s a very, very tough competition.

Parker believes Tottenham are developing the winning mentality that turned Chelsea in Premier League heavyweights.

Spurs' victory at Swansea kept them on course for Champions League football next season and silenced the critics who believed the would suffer an end-of-season collapse similar to last year.

Parker was at Chelsea when the west Londoners lifted their first title for 50 years back in 2005.

The success spawned a period of dominance in which the Blues claimed another two leagues, four FA Cups, the League Cup and the Champions League.

Parker said: “When I was at Chelsea, we used to grind out results when we weren’t playing well. There’s a know-how. You just knew how to get a result. And that’s probably where we need to get to.

“It’s a habit. When you win games consistently it becomes a habit. Like losing becomes a habit.

“As you can probably see in the league in this present moment in time, there are teams where losing just becomes a habit, and it’s the same with winning.

“Winning becomes a habit. When you’re in a changing room - and confidence is key - and when you know you’re going out and you can grind out results and grind out results.

“That’s it. When I was at Chelsea we used to ground out results when we weren’t playing well. There’s a know-how. You just know how to get a result. And that’s probably where we need to get to.”

Source: DailyMirror

Lazio and Tottenham charged by Uefa

Lazio have been charged over the alleged racist behaviour of their supporters during the Europa League game against Tottenham.


Tottenham have also been charged over separate crowd disturbances following the match on November 22.

Lazio supporters mocked Spurs' links with the Jewish community by chanting "Juden Tottenham" at the away fans during the 0-0 draw at the Stadio Olimpico on November 22.

A UEFA statement said: "UEFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against SS Lazio.

"Charges relate to the alleged racist behaviour of Lazio supporters during the Italian club's 0-0 UEFA Europa League Group J draw against Tottenham Hotspur FC in Rome on 22 November 2012.

"Proceedings will also be instigated against SS Lazio for throwing of missiles and/or fireworks by their supporters, incidents of a non-sporting nature, late team arrival at the stadium, and late handling of the team sheet."

UEFA will hear both cases at a disciplinary meeting on January 24.

This is not the first time the Italian club have been accused of racism this season.

In the reverse fixture at White Hart Lane back in October Lazio's fans were found guilty of monkey chanting towards three Tottenham players.

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Source: SkySports

Juan Mata aims Europa League glory

Juan Mata has indicated that Chelsea will take the Europa League seriously, insisting that their goal is to win the tournament.

Rafa Benitez's men dropped into the competition after failing to qualify from their Champions League group, despite being holders, finishing behind Juventus and Shakhtar Donetsk.

The round-of-32 draw took place on Thursday and saw the Blues drawn against Czech Republic outfit Sparta Prague, with the first leg set to take place on February 14 and Mata wants to win the trophy.

“We face Sparta Prague in #EuropaLeague," the Spaniard wrote on Twitter.

“The first step to reach our goal in this tournament: Become Champions!”

The clash will see Blues keeper Petr Cech return to his former club, where he spent a season before moving to Rennes and then onto Stamford Bridge.

The Premier League club's secretary, David Barnard, revealed that the 30-year-old will be taking up extra duties as a scout for the clash against his ex-employers - a tie which he will be relishing.

“No doubt he will fill us in on Sparta," he told reporters. “It’s one of his previous clubs and his home town, so he’ll be looking forward to going back.”

If the Stamford Bridge outfit defeat their keeper's former side over two legs than it will be Dutch champions Ajax or Romanian side Steaua Bucharest waiting for them in the next round.

Manchester United legend, and current marketing director at the Eredivisie club, Edwin van der Sar, was shocked by Chelsea's exit from the main European competition but hopes to face them in the Europa League after also failing to get through their group.

“It’s a surprise for everyone," he the 42-year-old added. "They’re 10 points behind in the league and Benitez had a tough start.

“Let’s see in two months if he can steady the ship and maybe claw their way back into the title race. 

“Hopefully, we’ll see them in the next round.” 

The Blues have endured an inconsistent season, currently sitting 13 points behind leaders Manchester United in the Premier League, and defender Branislav Ivanovic has called on his team to start grinding out results. 

The Serb said: “We know we are inconsistent and still building. 

“It is important for us to win ugly as that develops belief and confidence in the players.”

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Source: Goal

Lyon boss Garde: Lloris return will be emotional

Lyon coach Remi Garde believes it was inevitable Hugo Lloris make a speedy return to the Stade de Gerland after Tottenham Hotspur were paired with the French goalkeeper's former club in the last 32 of the Europa League.

Lloris, 25, made the switch to White Hart Lane after four years at OL where he established himself as the French national team's number one and captain. Having fought off competition from Brad Friedel at Spurs, the Nice-born custodian is now set to come up against some very familiar faces.

"Tottenham makes us think of Hugo. It's destiny. It'll certainly be very emotional for him at Gerland. I hope he won't want to shine too much, though I fear that will be the case," Garde said. "Little by little, their team is improving, and Hugo Lloris has played a role in that by bringing stability. Like him, they're a team on the up. They'll be serious opponents."

OL breezed through the group stages with the best record of any club, but were hardly rewarded for their efforts with Thursday's draw at UEFA HQ in Nyon, Switzerland, mapping out a testing path towards the final in Amsterdam. Inter Milan or Cluj await in the last 16, and Garde is aware Spurs already present a formidable obstacle to his team's ambitions.

"We can't say that it's the best possible draw. Tottenham are having a good season, and in contention to qualify for the Champions League. They have a complete and varied squad with a number of options," the ex-Arsenal midfielder, who played with the Gunners between 1996 and 1999, said.

"It's possible I'll get whistled and booed at White Hart Lane, but I'm not sure that the supporters remember me in an Arsenal shirt. Perhaps for this time they'll make an effort though."

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Source: ESPN

Villas-Boas: Lyon is a tremendous tie for Tottenham

Tottenham boss Andre Villas-Boas said being drawn against Lyon in the last 32 of the Europa League is "excellent" for the club and the much-maligned competition.

Villas-Boas says their tie - along with Liverpool's match-up with Zenit St Petersburg - would not look out of place in the UEFA Champions League.

The Europa League has not had the same impact in England as it has in many other countries, with Premier League clubs often fielding weakened teams in the competition.

Villas-Boas is however a supporter of the tournament and he says the draw should generate plenty of interest.

"Lyon is a tremendous tie for us in the sense that it gives this country, along with the Liverpool game, the chance to see wonderful Europa League fixtures being played," Villas-Boas said.

"Zenit-Liverpool and Tottenham-Lyon should both be considered like Champions League fixtures so I think this is something important for the competition, for how it's seen in this country.

"The fact that we play Lyon, who are used to being in the Champions League and used to winning trophies, it's an important reference for us.

"If we want to set our targets for Champions League qualification, this is the kind of team we will face, teams with a winning mentality, full of quality players.

"In that sense I think it's excellent for the publicity of the competition in this country."

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Source: SkySports

Former player Nevin doubts Chelsea's Europa League chances

Former Chelsea winger Pat Nevin doubts the club has the experience and ability to win the Europa League this season.

The Blues will face Sparta Prague in the last 32 of the competition and should they progress will come against either Ajax or Steua Bucharest in the last 16.

Nevin believes Chelsea are in transition this season therefore feels it will be difficult for them to win the tournament, especially with teams such as Atletico Madrid still in the draw.

He told Goal.com: "I suspect it has come a year early for this transitional team to win it, though. They are very much in the early stages of rebuilding their squad and style of play and I would only put them as third favourites, at best, to win it.

"I'm sure Rafa will be relieved to avoid Atletico Madrid, who will be the ones to beat. When it comes to the draw you can only ask for two things. A home draw in the second leg and a short trip. They've got both of them.

"The fans will enjoy Prague, it's a good city to visit. Sparta shouldn't present too many difficulties and Chelsea should progress."

The 49-year-old believes Chelsea will still give the competition their all despite their disappointment over not competing in the Champions League, and feels that players such as John Terry and Frank Lampard will want to add to their silverware collection.

However, Nevin says that even if the Blues were to win the tournament, he doubts whether it will be enough to keep Rafa Benitez in the manager’s job permanently.

He added: "It is a sad day for Chelsea that they are in the Europa League and not still defending their Champions League crown, but I' sure they will take the competition seriously.

"I know that senior players, such as Frank Lampard and John Terry will be desperate to win it because they are getting near the end of their careers and it might be the last one they win.

"Rafa [Benitez] also has personal reasons for wanting to do well. Much of his best work has been done on the European stage and I'm confident he will take Chelsea far in this too.

"I don't think winning it will be enough to keep him in the job, but he knows he is only an interim boss and it will look good on his CV. It will help raise his profile and will enable him to get a better job if and when he leaves Chelsea."

Nevin also stated that there is enough incentive for Chelsea to give the competition their all as they will be only one a small number of sides to complete a clean sweep of club trophies.

"They will be one of one a select group of clubs to have won all Uefa's club trophies if they are successful and that will be a huge incentive,” he said.

"Fans of other clubs always goad Chelsea about their lack of history in terms of silverware but if they can complete the set that would shut a few of them up.”

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Source: Goal

Newcastle boss Alan Pardew in dark on Europe League opponents Metalist

Newcastle boss Alan Pardew admits he does not know much about their Europe League opponents Metalist Kharkiv.

United will host the first leg before a trip to Ukraine in the second and Metalist will be tough opponents - they won their qualifying group.

Asked what he knew about their next opponents, Pardew said: "Not much, really.

"I do know it's a long journey, I've had a look at that, and they won their group, so it's a tough agenda for us.

"It's a tough draw in terms of travel; the opposition, I know very little about. I can't even comment on that until such time as we do some studying."

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Source: SkySports

Mazzarri: Napoli will address Viktoria with the utmost respect

Napoli boss Walter Mazzarri has conceded that there are 'no easy games in Europe' as his team drew Viktoria Plzen in the Europa League.

The Partenopei will host Pavel Vrba's side on February 14 before travelling to the Czech Republic a week later for the last 32 second leg.

And the 51-year-old Coach has admitted that he will not underestimate the Group B winners.

“In Europe, there are no easy games,” he told reporters. “If a team reaches the knockout stages it means they are a good side.

“Viktoria topped a group that involved Atletico Madrid, so that's the sort of team we're dealing with.

“We will address Viktoria with the utmost respect knowing that they are capable of continuing their journey in the Europa League.”

Club President Aurelio De Laurentiis also commented on the prospect of playing the Gambrinus Liga team.

“It is a challenging draw,” he told the team's official Twitter account. “Because Viktoria were ahead of Atletico Madrid.”

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Source: Football-Italia

Tottenham expecting tough task against Lyon in last 32 of Europa League

Tottenham general secretary Darren Eales expects a tough clash with Ligue 1's Lyon in the last 32 of the Europa League.

The draw will see Spurs keeper Hugo Lloris face his former team-mates following his summer move from France to the Premier League.

"It's a tough draw and this is the first time in nine years they've not been in the Champions League," Eales told Sky Sports News.

"There are a lot of tough teams in the draw. We can ask Hugo the way to go and I think he will be excited about the chance to go back to his old team and play there."

If Tottenham get through the two legs, they could face Inter Milan next, provided the Italians get past Cluj.

Two years ago Gareth Bale scored a hat-trick in Milan for Tottenham against Inter in a UEFA Champions League match that eventually saw the north London side lose 4-3 in October 2010.

"If we do get Inter if we do get through, two years ago in the Champions League when Gareth Bale got that wonderful hat-trick - that's an exciting game but we have to think about Lyon first," Eales said.

And Eales believes Andre Villas-Boas has what it takes to lead Spurs to the European title after he engineered a win for former club Porto during a treble-winning first season in charge which saw his side also lift the Portuguese Cup and win the Primeira Liga.

"He's got the pedigree so hopefully he can do what he did with Porto two years ago and we can go all the way to (the final in) Amsterdam," he said.

"We want to be playing in European competition. We don't see why we can't have a successful Europa League campaign and do well in the league."

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Source: SkySports