Chelsea are unbeaten in all competitions this season, yet one result in particular will have bitterly disappointed manager Jose Mourinho.
The Blues opened up their Champions League group campaign at Stamford Bridge earlier this month with a clash against Schalke 04, but despite a routine home victory having been anticipated, the visitors returned to Germany with a 1-1 draw to show for their efforts.
It means that Chelsea head for the Portuguese capital tomorrow night looking to put their first three points on the board against a Sporting Lisbon side that were also held to a 1-1 draw on matchday one.
The in-form Diego Costa, who has scored eight Premier League goals already this term, is not expected to start at the Estadio Jose Alvalade. The Spanish international has an ongoing hamstring problem, which is likely to see either either Loic Remy or Didier Drogba lead the attack.
Elsewhere, Andre Schurrle may come into the starting lineup, but Brazilian midfielder Ramires has been ruled out with a muscular complaint.
As for hosting Sporting, Manchester United loanee Nani, who scored last time out against NK Maribor, should feature, while summer signing Jonathan Silva is expected to retain his place at left-back.
Hosting Sporting are unbeaten from their seven encounters in all competitions so far this season, but five of those matches have ended in 1-1 draws.
These two sides have never previously met, but Chelsea have won on their last two trips to Portugal.
Recent form
Sporting: WDDDWD
Chelsea: WWDDWW
Possible starting lineups
Sporting: Patricio; J Silva, Cedric, Sarr, Mauricio; Nani, Carvalho, A Silva, Mario; Slimani, Carrillo
Chelsea: Courtois; Azpilicueta, Terry, Cahill, Ivanovic; Matic, Fabregas; Hazard, Oscar, Schurrle; Remy
Sports Mole says: 0-1
Liam Apicella
