Sporting Lisbon boss Marco Silva thinks the Premier League leaders are amongst the best teams in the competition.
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Sporting Lisbon coach Marco Silva has admitted his team are in for a tough test when they come up against Chelsea in the Champions League.
Chelsea are “favourites, not only to win the group but also to be in the final together with four or five others,” Silva told UEFA.com.
He pointed to Chelsea’s summer signings Diego Costa and Cesc Fabregas as key threats for his side to deal with in tonight’s group stage clash in Lisbon: “they got stronger this season to try and win the Premier League and also the Champions League. We are facing a very strong opponent.”
However the former Estoril manager has insisted that circumstances mean his side can still threaten despite Chelsea’s strength.
“It is a big boost for the club and the fans to play at home against such a big club, one that has a Portuguese coach.
“But we will not change our identity because of it. We have our weapons.”
Jose Mourinho has confirmed that he will risk top scorer Diego Costa despite his hamstring injury, as Chelsea try to grab all three points from their trip to Portugal.
The Blues could only draw 1-1 against FC Schalke 04 at Stamford Bridge in their opening Champions League fixture, and will look to get back on track here.