@ Nordsjaelland: It is absolutely crucial we win this game, against a team I actually think is one of the harder teams we could have drawn in Pot 4, behind Dortmund, Malaga, and Montpellier. Unfortunately, their first home game is against us, and, having not won in almost a month, Chelsea can't afford to overlook this team.

@ Shakhtar Donetsk: Possibly the most important game of the group stages, at least in terms of advancement, this match-up happens between our dates with Tottenham and Manchester United. Juventus and Shakhtar both think they can advance from this group. Juvy already took two points off us at home, so the Blues can't afford to drop all three to Shakhtar.

v. Shakhtar Donetsk: Another interesting test. A team of Chelsea's quality really should be winning this, at least if our biggest problems are fixed by then.

@ Juventus: The best game in Group E for neutrals, our return match with Juventus will likely determine first place in the group. If Arsenal and United win their groups, and Juventus win this one, there is a very good chance we get drawn against Barcelona, Real Madrid, or Bayern Munich in the round of 16, which nobody would want. The best way to avoid that? Win this one. Should be a very close, entertaining game, much like the one that just ended. Chelsea host Man Ciy after this game, but they have a tough game themselves, against Real Madrid.

v. Nordjaelland: It was very nice of UEFA to give us our easiest game last. We should still be in contention for qualification/first place at this point, and this is as close to a guaranteed three points as you get in the Champions League. Meanwhile, Juventus have to travel to Ukraine, where Shakhtar will hopefully take points off of them. Or, if Chelsea have already clinched first, Di Matteo might actually rest some players. While we could watch the carnage going on elsewhere, and laugh at whatever big club fails to make the cut.