Chelsea confident of overturning deficit to reach semis

Chelsea confident of overturning deficit to reach semisLondon - Unbeaten at home in Europe for two years and with an away goal in the bag, Chelsea are confident that they can overturn a first-leg deficit against Turkish side Fenerbahce on Tuesday to take their place in the semi-finals of the Champions League.

The London side were shocked by two second-half goals in the first leg in Istanbul last week but having dominated much of the match they will feel that they have the ability to get the win they need to advance.

"We were dominating the match in midfield and we couldn't see any danger coming but then they hit us with the second goal out of nowhere," Chelsea manager Avram Grant said.

"We will play the second leg at home and hope to use this advantage. Because of this, I am sure we will qualify for the semi- finals.

"I know what I expect and what we can do. I have confidence in my team, never mind whether we are playing Fenerbahce or Barcelona. I know it will not be easy, but I know we can win. We have a lot of quality and can beat anyone."

A wonder-goal from Brazilian Deivid last week gave the Turkish side an unlikely victory in what was their first quarter-final appearance in the competition.

And their manager, the legendary former Brazil striker Zico, believes his side have a chance to pull off a big upset.

"Yes, we have to go to Stamford Bridge, but of the three possible outcomes of that match - win, lose or draw - two of them will take us through to the semi-finals," he said.

"From the beginning, our ultimate goal has always been the final. At the moment, all we are thinking about is the game in London and getting to the semi-final, but we are getting there step by step and we want to be in Moscow."

Zico has inspired his side to new heights this season and Colin Kazim-Richards, formerly of Sheffield United, who scored the equalizer in Istanbul, is pushing for a starting spot.

"We have a little bit of an advantage but they are a great team at Stamford Bridge so we are going to have to work even harder." Kazim- Richards said.

"It's not about me, it's about the team, about Turkey, about us getting to the final. Whatever Zico thinks is best, he is in charge, I am in no position to criticize the manager."

Chelsea have to decide whether to persist with playing Michael Essien out of position at right back, while goalkeeper Petr Cech could return from injury in place of Carlo Cudicini.

Didier Drogba is likely to start again, with Salomon Kalou and Joe Cole just behind, leaving Nicolas Anelka on the substitutes' bench again.

One of Chelsea's former strikers, Mateja Kezman, who had a sorry time at Stamford Bridge, is plotting their downfall.

"They've lost a bit of prestige and respect," he said. "We see they are not in their best moment and we have to benefit from it.

"They have the responsibility, they are the millionaire team, the big team. We will go there to play football and, hopefully, come back to Istanbul with the right result."(dpa)

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