While most would expect Chelsea to make short work of the Israeli champions, that is possibly what most of their opponents in the qualifying rounds thought, and it did not quite turn out that way. Slavisa Jokanovic, formerly of Chelsea, oversaw wins over Hibernians, the Czechs of Viktoria Plzen and then, most impressively, the Swiss side Basel, to reach the group stages for the first time in 11 years. José Mourinho, whose European campaign ended so disappointingly with the exit to PSG six months ago, is without a number of regulars and knows the morale-boosting victory he needs to take into Saturday’s league meeting with Arsenal cannot be taken for granted. Paul Chronnell
Kick-off 7.45pm BST
Venue Stamford Bridge
Referee F Zwayer (Ger)
Odds H 1/5 A 25/1 D 15/2
Chelsea
Subs from
Blackman, Ivanovic, Terry, Collins, Mikel, Traoré, Kenedy, Aina, Matic, Diego Costa
Doubtful
Ramires (knee), Pedro (thigh)
Injured Courtois, Falcao
Maccabi Tel Aviv
Subs from
Lifshitz, Ziv, Carlos Garcia, Miha, Vermouth, Peretz, Itzhaki, Basat.
Doubtful None
Injured None
Suspended Dasa
