After Liverpool's defeat at the hands of last seasons fourth best Italian side, tonights games also have the potential to be difficult for the English clubs in Champions League action.
Chelsea are looking to bounce back from defeat at Wigan on Saturday against Champions league novices Apoel Nicosia, in what on paper should be a stone waller for the Londoners.
However, so did their game at the weekend. Wigan had never beaten one of the 'big four' clubs in their entire time in the Premiership but managed to turn over a ragged looking Chelsea side.
Factor in the long flight to Cyprus, humid weather conditions and a passionate home support, the easy game on paper reads slightly differently.
The experience in their squad suggests they should be able to handle the game, but results in previous years against teams such as FC Cluj show Chelsea dont always handle such trips with ease.
Tonight is the first true test of Chelsea's credentials under Carlo Ancelotti who will be looking for a reaction from his side as they attempt to bounce back from their first defeat of the season. It will be interesting to see if they react to defeat in the manner which has typified Manchester United's dominance of the Premiership in recent years.
With one eye on the arrival of Liverpool at Stamford Bridge next and no Didier Drogba at their disposal, Ancelotti's men may come up short in Nicosia this evening.
And if they do, we will really see what the Italian and his side are made off against there great recent rivals on Sunday.
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