Mourinho to take a chance against Valencia

Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho will gamble on Mikel Jon Obi in the pivotal midfield holding role as his side take on Valencia in the Champions League quarterfinal tonight.

The youngster is to play instead of seasoned France veteran Claude Makelele at Stamford Bridge.

England midfielder Joe Cole is back after his lengthy spell on the sidelines with a fractured foot but has to content himself with a place among the substitutes.

Salomon Kalou, who scored the last-minute equaliser against Watford in the Premiership at the weekend, replaces the injured Arjen Robben on the left flank.

Valencia striker David Villa, a former transfer target for the Blues, leads the attack for the Spaniards with David Silva in a supporting role.

Chelsea: Cech, Diarra, Terry, Carvalho, Ashley Cole, Kalou, Ballack, Lampard, Mikel, Shevchenko, Drogba.

Subs: Cudicini, Makelele, Boulahrouz, Joe Cole, Bridge, Ferreira, Wright-Phillips.

Valencia: Canizares, Miguel, Ayala, Moretti, Del Horno, Vicente, Albelda, Albiol, Joaquin, Silva, Villa.

Subs: Butelle, Angulo, Hugo Viana, Jorge Lopez, Curro Torres, Nacho Insa, Pallardo.

Referee: Frank De Bleeckere (Belgium).