Maribor v. Chelsea Preview  (Sky Sports)

Chelsea will be hoping results work in their favour as they seek to overcome Maribor and seal UEFA Champions League progress.

Victory in Slovenia on Wednesday will all but confirm a last-16 spot for Jose Mourinho’s side, while success on the road combined with Sporting Lisbon dropping points at home to Schalke will clinch their place in the knockout stage.

Chelsea have taken control of Group G, collecting seven points from their three games so far.

The Premier League leaders are now unbeaten in 15 games in all competitions this season – winning 12.

They swept aside Maribor with ease at Stamford Bridge on Matchday Three, with Didier Drogba netting his first goal since returning to west London in a 6-0 rout.

Mourinho will be looking for more of the same in midweek with the Portuguese tactician chasing down European football’s biggest prize with a third club – having previously tasted continental glory with Porto and Inter Milan.

Chelsea are, however, aware of the need to ensure that complacency is not allowed to set in, with Maribor determined to better their four-point return at the group stage from 15 years ago.

Mourinho said: “The 6-0 win against Maribor in the first match was a fake situation. It was the only match where we played like 'one chance, one goal'. We're not a team who score many goals from a few chances, but against Maribor everything went into the net.

I know Maribor are a very good team. I watched their matches against Sporting and Schalke and also some in the Slovenian league. They play offensively and are especially dangerous at home. I have to convince my players that in the first match everything went our way.”

Team news

Mourinho may rotate his options ahead of a Premier League trip to Liverpool on Saturday.

Diego Costa is available after returning following a four-game absence against Queens Park Rangers, but his fellow striker Loic Remy (groin) and midfielder John Obi Mikel (knee) are out.

Full-back Cesar Azpilicueta is available and will also be free to play at Anfield on Saturday, having completed his three-match domestic suspension for being sent off at Crystal Palace.

Maribor will be without defender Alex Mejac, with the Slovenia international nursing a hamstring strain.

Coach Ante Simundza has no other injury or suspension concerns to contend with, with Brazilian striker Marcos Tavares set to retain the captain's armband.