Junior Caicara, left, from PFC Ludogorets challenges Mohamed Salah from FC Basel during their UEFA Champions League play-offs first leg soccer match between PFC Ludogorets and FC Basel at Vassil Levski Stadium in Sofia, Bulgaria, Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2013. (Photo: AP)
Red-hot Mohamed Salah, whose spectacular performances helped Egypt reach the World Cup qualifying playoff in impressive fashion, will be keen to score another goal at Stamford Bridge when Swiss side Basel face Chelsea on Wednesday.
Swiss side Basel open their European Champions League group-stage campaign at the same venue where Egyptian forward Salah beat Chelsea keeper Petr Cech with a close-range shot after ghosting behind Branislav Ivanovic in last season's Europa League semi-final.
Chelsea still overcame Basel and went on to win the continent's secondary club competition but Basel could still rely on the pacy winger to unsettle Chelsea's backline in Wednesday's opening Group E clash.
Salah has been in inspired form for club and country, enhancing his reputation as one of Africa's most promising talents.
He played a key role in helping Basel win a fourth successive league title last season and established himself as one of Egypt's key players after scoring six goals in as many World Cup qualifiers to guide the Pharaohs to a place in the decisive playoff after they won all their group games.
Salah's trickery, agility and darting runs down the flanks always come in handy for a Basel side who will be looking to cause an upset against Chelsea or at least secure a share of spoils.
The 21-year-old was instrumental in Basel's progress to the group stage, having notched three goals in the preliminary rounds, including a brace in the 4-2 victory at Bulgaria's Ludogorets in the first leg of the Champions League playoff.
Salah's compatriot Mohamed El-Neny will miss the game against Chelsea due to an arm injury.
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