Mikel wants Chelsea flying start

Mikel Obi has said he expects Chelsea to begin their UEFA Champions League defence on a winning note when they host Italian champions Juventus tomorrow.

Mikel said that the team have started the season well in the English Premier League and he is optimistic they will translate such form to Europe also.

"We are the champions and we want to still go for the title this season. And we all know we have to start well from the opening match,” he said.

“Juventus will be tough no doubt but I believe we will win. We have a quality team. We have been doing well in the league, I am sure we will do well and come out victorious against Juventus."

Mikel was an important part as Chelsea won a first-ever Champions League title last season at the expense of Bayern Munich.

Wednesday’s clash at Stamford Bridge promises to be a titanic battle as Juventus have won all their Serie A games this season, while Chelsea too are yet to lose in the EPL.

However, Juventus have not won on their last 11 visits to England and the last time Juventus met Chelsea was in 2008/2009 Champions League Round of 16 and they lost.