Champions League: Chelsea’s frail defence faces Napoli’s prolific attack

In what can be described as the toughest draw handed down to a British team in this season’s UEFA Competitions, former English Champions,Chelsea will February 2012 face rising Italian side, Napoli in the round of 16of UEFA Champions league.

Football pundits around Europe and even Chelsea gaffer, Andre Villas-Boas have described the expected mouthwatering tie as the toughest draw in the round of16. The real worries for the Blues against a Napoli side that parade highly technical, skillful and pacy forwards in the mould of Marek Hamsik, Gokham Inlerand Edinson Cavani is how to protect its inconsistent rear guard which obviously lacks pace and plays a high line. Except for Spanish Under 21prodigy, Oriel Romeu, who lack experience at the big stage, Chelsea is yet to find a worthy replacement for Claude Makalele, no thanks to Michael Essien’s recurrent injury, while ageing Skipper, John Terry, Ashley Cole, Jose Bosingwa and over-lapping David Luiz have not been able to protect the seeming out –of –form Petr Cech. Chelsea’s back 6 starting from the defensive midfield to Chelsea’s goal post will definitely face a daunting task in curtailing Napoli’scounter attacking play spearheaded by Cavani.

The intending prosecution of John Terry, prolong contract talks between the club management, Didier Drogba and Petr Cech as well as other off field issues may also affect Chelsea’s campaign in all competitions this season.

While there are indications that the former English giant is building for next season, the unusual silence of club owner, Roman Abramovich may end if Chelsea finish the season without silverware and fail to make Barclays Premiership topfour, which is experiencing the stiffest contest ever.

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