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Blues poised to say RIP to AVB

[Reprint from SUN] ANDRE VILLAS-BOAS will at least get the chance to see Naples — but the dying could come quickly afterwards. For a Champions League capitulation against Napoli will surely spell the end for Chelsea's rookie boss. But the Blues' beleaguered chief insists he is ready to confound his critics by not just beating the Italians, but by going on to win Europe's big club prize. A defiant AVB said: "First Napoli, then we will see. But if we go past Napoli then we can have a really good chance, depending on who we get in the draw. "It will be a massive challenge. Everyone saw what Napoli did in a group which put Manchester City out. But I think we have a chance." And despite a dismal run of results, the Chelsea chief believes his men will be up for the challenge. He added: "Regarding the Champions League, the players will have a different outlook. "It's a European game, all of the players will want to play because the Champions League is a competition everyone wants to win. "It's a different type of preparation, different type of football. "We will have to be much more competent, play well and then we can finish the business here." He admits it will not be easy against a swash-buckling Napoli side headed by brilliant striker Edinson Cavani. AVB said: "He is an amazing player and is their main man. But they have a strong front three with Hamsik, Cavani and Lavezzi. They are all a danger. "But, to be fair, their strength is in the collective spirit. They have an inner belief in each other." Cavani inspired a 3-0 win over Fiorentina on Friday as Walter Mazzarri's warmed up for tomorrow's last-16 clash. The Uruguay star said: "Many thought Napoli could not produce what we have done in the Champions League. "But this is football and in football you never know, anything can happen on the field." Chelsea look set to make changes to the side held to an embarrassing 1-1 home draw by Championship side Birmingham in Saturday's FA Cup tie. Flop Fernando Torres, just four goals this season, looks like being dropped in favour of Didier Drogba. Frank Lampard should start in midfield after only being on the subs' bench against Brum. （一个慢牛）

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