Cudicini starts for Blues

Carlo Cudicini earned a surprise start in the Chelsea goal for the Champions League clash with Real Betis at Stamford Bridge.

The Italian replaced Petr Cech in the only change to the Chelsea side which started Saturday’s 5-1 league victory over Bolton.

William Gallas was again preferred at right-back, with Paolo Ferreira on the bench alongside Hernan Crespo, who was included among the replacements ahead of England Under-21 striker Carlton Cole.

Betis named Joaquin in their attack, along with Brazilian Ricardo Oliveira after the 24-year-old shook off a heavy cold.

Joaquin was reportedly a Chelsea target last season and came into the game vowing to impress Blues boss Jose Mourinho and owner Roman Abramovich.

Betis, who finished fourth in the Primera Liga last year and won the Copa del Rey, began their Champions League campaign with a home defeat to Liverpool but headed to Stamford Bridge on the back of a victory over Anderlecht.

Chelsea were held to a goalless draw at Anfield in their last European outing but have proven unstoppable since, scoring nine goals in Barclays Premiership victories over Liverpool and Bolton.

Mfl