Chelsea take on Stoke City in a vital Premier League clash. The game takes place on Saturday April 5th at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea sit in 2nd with 69 points while Stoke sit at 10th with 40 points.
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Last game Chelsea started the game without a true striker and instead started Schürrle up front. Regardless, Chelsea still played with a false striker. It seems as if this formation will never change.
Goalkeeper: Petr Čech
After starting every Premier League game thus far it’s almost a guarantee he will be starting. The only thing that would keep Čech out of the game would be a serious injury.
Right Back: Branislav Ivanovic
The Serbian will start another game, to continue his good streak. Ivanovic is a threat from the wing and in the air, and has the capability to track back and defend. Ashley Cole is still out with injury so Azpilicueta will play left back.
Center Backs: John Terry and David Luiz
The Chelsea defense is coming off a heavily criticized match against Paris Saint-Germain. Letting in three goals in one game is not what Chelsea’s defense has been known to do this season. Gary Cahill had a terrible game and will surely take the bench. Luiz had a rough game in the midfield but will start in the defense.
Left Back: Cesar Azpilicueta
The speedy Spaniard can now confidently be chosen as Chelsea’s first choice left back. It seems as if age and injury have placed Ashley Cole out of the starting lineup once again. Transitions in teams are inevitable, but most will miss watching Cole, but most are excited to see a new star player form.
Center Defensive Midfielders: Frank Lampard and Nemanja Matic
Frank Lampard came on as a substitute against in Paris and did not impress. The damage was mostly done so Mourinho will be looking to give him a second chance. Matic did not play at all and will be given a chance to show what he is made of. If Matic performs well he could get some playing time against Paris in the second leg.
Left Wing: Eden Hazard
There is no way the Belgian superstar could not start. He is vital to every single game and was the only one to scrape away with a goal in Paris.
Center Attacking Midfielder: Oscar
The Brazilian will be looking to recover his early season form. Mourinho has placed an enormous amount of trust in Oscar’s skill and is still looking for the great return he is expecting.
Right Wing: Willian
Oscar will be joined by his fellow countryman Willian against Stoke. The quick-footed winger will provide pace and creativity in the attacking third.
Striker: Fernando Torres
The Spaniard will be given a second chance to prove his worth. After a horrendous game against PSG he will have to show his skill against Stoke in front of his home stands.
