Finally. The Premier League season is underway. This summer, the soccer community was blessed with an entertaining World Cup to indulge our thirst for the greatest sport in the world. Chelsea FC have had a successful campaign involving transfers. Filipe Luis, Diego Costa, and Cesc Fabregas have joined the squad and are fitting in quite nicely. Didier Drogba has made a famous return back to Stamford Bridge but has suffered an early injury.
The Blues are matched up against Premier League newcomers Burnley to kick off their season. Below is the predicted starting lineup for Chelsea.
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Goalkeeper: Petr Čech
Thibaut Courtois has rejoined Chelsea after an excellent loan spell at Atlético Madrid and has finally put Petr Čech’s job up for contention. The starting goalkeeper position is the most highly anticipated spot on the squad sheet. Two world class goalkeepers will do their best to get boss Mourinho’s attention. Courtois has been absent for the most of the pre-season mini tournament and will most likely sit out the first game out of precaution.
Left Back: Filipe Luís
With the departure of veteran Ashley Cole To AS Roma, Luís fills out the left back position perfectly. A promising pre-season leaves him as the first choice. Cesar Azpilicueta will be able to venture out on the right side and finally play on his preferred side.
Center Backs: Gary Cahill and John Terry
The two Englishmen were arguably the best pairing in the central of defense last season in the Premier League. Cahill’s prime is showing and Terry still has the experience and positioning that has made him the first choice for most of his Chelsea career. Kurt Zouma will surely make a healthy appearance this season.
Right Back: Cesar Azpilicueta
The Spaniard has been waiting a long time to play on his preferred side, and with the signing of Filipe Luís he will have the freedom to do so. Branislav Ivanovic is getting slower with age but is still extremely comfortable in the position.
Central Midfielders: Cesc Fabregas and Nemanja Matic
The departure of Frank Lampard this summer was saddening, but the amount of talent left in the squad is still incredible. Mourinho’s job for picking a midfield could quite possibly be his most difficult task this season. Fabregas is a proven talent in the Premier League and Matic plays a similar role that Lampard did on the defensive half.
Left Attacking Midfielder: Eden Hazard
After a disappointing finale to the Premier League last season and an unflattering World Cup, Hazard will surely look to prove his world class status again. There are a number of names on the squad list that have the potential to take his place including Schürrle and Salah.
Center Attacking Midfielder: Oscar
Hopefully the Brazilian maestro will start off this season just like last. After enduring a large dip in form midway through last season, he will be hopeful to improve in both playmaking and scoring.
Right Attacking Midfielder: Willian
Oscar’s Brazilian partner will likely line up next to him on the squad sheet. Willian is certainly the most favorable player for this position while most other midfielders thrive either centrally or on the right hand side.
Striker: Diego Costa
Unproven in the Premier League, Diego Costa is the most anticipated player to watch. The £32 million player is expected to add to the squad immediately. His pre-season was incredible, his previous season was also fantastic. Drogba is out with injury unfortunately and Torres just hasn’t shown as much promise as Costa.
