Cole can send out warning to youngster.

Byline: Michael Brear

DON'T bet on dead rubbers, goes the old mantra, but what about when you're not quite sure how dead the rubber is? With both teams qualified from Group D there is only top spot at stake in tonight's clash at Estadio Do Dragao, which inevitably triggers the debate over how much managers actually want to finish at the head of the standings.

Chelsea will clinch it with victory, while Porto could still need points from their final match even if they win, and with typical uncertainty over whether top spot will actually work in their favour it is difficult to assess how seriously each side will take it.

Carlo Ancelotti is not likely to take the Arsene Wenger approach of considering it irrelevant and his squad is comfortably strong enough to stand up well to mass rotation anyway.

Didier Drogba, Michael Ballack, Deco and Joe Cole are all still on the road to recovery and look likely to receive time on the pitch to help them return to full fitness.

They beat Porto 1-0 at home but the Blues have a relatively poor record in the Portuguese city, with a loss and a draw from their two visits there.

Jesualdo Ferreira's side aren't doing particularly well in the league - they have fallen five points behind free-scoring Benfica - but their home record is unblemished by defeat this term and worthy of respect.

Ferreira has most of his players available for the first time this campaign and they are well rested after their Portuguese Cup clash at the weekend was postponed.

Gael Kakuta - the player at the centre of Chelsea's transfer ban furore - impressed on his debut in the hole against Wolves on Saturday and looks set to be involved at some stage.

Earlier this week, John Obi Mikel said of the 18-year-old forward: "In terms of skill, I think he is the best in the club."

That was an accolade which used to be given to Joe Cole.

Ancelotti has already revealed what a big fan of Kakuta he is and that will add to the pressure on Cole.

The former West Ham man has made an impressive return to form after a long-term injury and is now keen to make the role at the attacking point of Ancelotti's diamond his own so that he can work his way back into the England starting 11 before the World Cup.

He notched against Wolves and warrants a small wager to score first.

Recommendation J Cole to score first 0.5pt each-way 10-1 Coral

CAPTION(S):

Chelsea's Joe Cole wants his England starting place back