Last season Jose Mourinho insisted that his Chelsea was not solid enough to win the Champions League, his prediction was proven correct but this season they might have what it takes. The Blues have signed Diego Costa this summer and the Spanish striker has already bagged a few goals while fellow new signing Cesc Fabregas has proven equally important. Chelsea start their Champions League campaign on Wednesday when they face Schalke at Stamford Bridge.

Schalke boss Jens Keller has quite a few injured players, but stars Klaas-Jan Huntelaar and Julian Draxler are expected to feature. Fabian Giefer, Sead Kolasinac, Felipe Santana, Leon Goretzka and Jefferson Farfan will all miss out through injury.

The two sides have met on four previous occasions in the Champions League, Chelsea won three times and the other match ended in a draw. Schalke are yet to score a goal against Chelsea though and it’s also worth noting that no German club has ever left Stamford Bridge with a victory.

Probable starting line-ups:

Chelsea: Courtois – Luis, Cahill, Ivanovic, Azpilicueta – Matic, Fabregas – Oscar, Hazard, Willian – Remy

Schalke: Fahrmann – Aogo, Howedes, Matip, Ayhan – Fuchs, Neustadter – Draxler, Sam, Boateng – Huntelaar

My prediction: Chelsea to win 2-0.

Here are the odds for the match at Bet365:

Chelsea win – 1/3
Draw – 9/2
Schalke win – 10/1