Chelsea Vs. Juventus, 2012 UEFA Champions League: Preview And Schedule

Arturo Vidal of Juventus in action during a Juventus Training Session & Press Conference ahead of the Uefa Champions League Group E match between Chelsea and Juventus. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

Two-time European champions Juventus have returned to the Champions League. They play Chelsea in the biggest game of Wednesday's slate.

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Juventus and Chelsea both won major trophies in Europe last season, but it's anyone's guess how good either team is this year. Neither team has had to take on any of the other elite teams in their domestic competition so far, and Juventus hasn't been tested at this level in over six years. Chelsea look better than they did last season, but they don't have Didier Drogba to bail them out of tough spots anymore.

John Terry and Frank Lampard have slight knocks, and should start. Juan Mata was rested against QPR this weekend and is expected to return to the lineup. The Blues aren't dealing with any major injury issues, unless you count the perpetually injured Marko Marin.

Juventus also have a nearly full squad. Lucio is the only injured player who would compete for a spot in the Old Lady's starting XI if he was fit. Simone Pepe and Simone Padoin are also injured. Additionally, Antonio Conte will be away from the sideline, just like he will for every match this season.

Match Date/Time: Wednesday, 2:45 p.m. ET, 7:45 p.m. local

Venue: Stamford Bridge, London, England

TV: FOX Soccer (U.S.), Sky Sports 2 (U.K.), Sportsnet Regional (Canada)

Online: FOX Soccer 2 Go (U.S.; Delay)

For more on the Blues, head over to Chelsea FC blog We Ain't Got No History. For more on the Old Lady, check out Juventus FC blog Black and White and Read All Over. We'll have coverage of every match in our UEFA Champions League Wednesday StoryStream. For more on the entire world of football, follow @SBNationSoccer on Twitter.