Mata returns to former club as Blues look to stay on top
Chelsea will be focused on retaining pole position in Group E when they travel to Valencia in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday evening.
After beating Bayer Leverkusen last time out, Andre Villas-Boas' men sit top of their group and two points clear heading into the second-round Mestalla clash.
The return of summer signing Juan Mata to his former club just weeks after arriving at Stamford Bridge is expected to bring added spice to the encounter.
But there will be no room for sentiment, with Valencia coach Unai Emery determined to secure a home victory.
He said: "We know all about Chelsea but also know that we are a very strong side, even more so here at Mestalla.
"We are only focused on ourselves and want to produce a great game and a victory for our fans. Tomorrow every player wearing blue [including Mata] will be our enemy."
Villas-Boas added of Mata's chances of facing his old employers: "Different players react differently when coming back home or to an emotional place.
"You just have to wait and see if [Mata] is going to be involved."
The Blues recovered from their defeat to Manchester United last weekend when they thrashed promoted Swansea 4-1, while Valencia were seen off 1-0 at Sevilla - their first defeat of the season.
Team news
Blues boss Villas-Boas must decide whether to recall Frank Lampard to his line-up for the Spanish trip.
Lampard has started the last two matches on the bench and it seems unthinkable he will not be in the XI at the Mestalla.
Daniel Sturridge is expected to be fit after a knee injury, Ramires is available after missing the Blues' opener against Leverkusen through suspension, but Romelu Lukaku is ineligible and Alex, Paulo Ferreira and Josh McEachran did not travel to Spain.
Valencia midfielder David Albelda bruised his back against Barcelona and did not face Sevilla at the weekend, while Mehmet Topal tore a shoulder muscle in the goalless draw with Genk last time out.
Source:www.skysports.com
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