Valencia vs. Chelsea: Complete Preview, Start Time and Schedule

Valencia has been putting together a solid La Liga campaign. It is 2-1-1 in their last four matches, a span that included an impressive 2-2 tie with Barcelona. However, it was lackluster in their last effort in a 1-0 defeat to Sevilla.

Valencia now must try to put that loss behind as it takes on one of the EPL's best in Chelsea.

Chelsea is looking very strong this year. It is coming off of a dominant 4-1 win over Swansea City. It's EPL match prior to that, it lost 3-1 to Manchester United, but played much better than the score indicated.

Chelsea will look to put away Valencia in this battle and keep its momentum rolling.

Where: Stamford Bridge in London, England

When: Wednesday, September 28th at 2:45 p.m. EST

Watch: Directv Soccer, ESPN Australia, ESPN HD Brasil, ESPN3.com Australia, Foot+, FSC, ITV 1, ITV HD, SBS One Australia, Sport.TV1, SuperSport 3, SuperSport HD, UEFA

Player to Watch for Valencia: Roberto Soldado 

Soldado is a dynamic striker, and he is at the peak of his abilities.

He has already scored a hat trick this season, and he has twice scored the only goal in 1-0 wins for Valencia. He is the center of their offensive attack. If Valencia is going to win then Soldado needs to lead the way.

Player to Watch for Chelsea: Frank Lampard

Midfielder Frank Lampard has been relegated to the bench. Lampard diminished role comes on the heels of years of leading this squad.

If he is going to reclaim his place on this team, he needs to put together a very solid performance and make an impact on this match.

Lampard still possess the skills to do just that, and I am sure he will be focused to do so when he does enter the match.

Key Matchup: Petr Cech vs. Roberto Soldado

Cech was taken to the hospital after a scary blow to the head in a recent match vs. Fulham. He is expected to be ready to go for this match, and that is a good thing for Chelsea.

He is going to be charged with the task of shutting down Soldado. If he can keep Soldado from finding the net, then victory for he and is teammates is all but guaranteed.

What They're Saying: Fernando Torres had an ugly dive at Swansea's Mark Gower. It resulted in a red card and a three game domestic ban. Torres manager Andre Villas-Boas said Torres had nothing to apologize for. Here is Villa-Boas, as quoted on ESPN.com:

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"There's nothing to apologize for. It's the referee's decision.

"It's part of the nature of the game, and the referee has decided on that. It's a pity because the spectacle was promising.''

 

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Score Prediction:

Chelsea 3

Valencia 1