Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho managed somewhat of a stay of execution by guiding his side to a 2-1 victory over Dynamo Kiev in Wednesday night’s Champions League encounter and the show of support displayed by the fans on the night proved that they are firmly behind the Portuguese boss.
Mourinho will now be hoping to take the momentum of the Champions League victory into the Premier League as well but one can be sure that it will be anything but easy as they come up against a very tough Stoke City side away from home this Saturday.
Here is a strongest possible lineup for Chelsea on the day –
Goalkeeper
Asmir Begovic made a howler in the clash against Dynamo Kiev in midweek which allowed the Ukrainian side to equalize but the goalkeeper’s blushes were spared by Willian’s wonderful late strike.
That said, Mourinho would most certainly not have been pleased with Begovic’s performance and the Chelsea boss will surely be demanding better from the Bosnian international as he prepares for a return to the Britannia Stadium.
Defence
Cesar Azpilicueta, Kurt Zouma, John Terry and Abdul Baba Rahman started at the back against Dynamo Kiev and it has to be said that the quartet performed very well on the night.
As a result, Jose Mourinho will most likely not decide to make too many alterations to his backline for the clash against Stoke and it would not be a surprise if the same four players started on Saturday.
Branislav Ivanovic is still struggling with an injury at the moment while Gary Cahill is most likely to be starting on the bench.
Midfield
Nemanja Matic was restored into the starting lineup alongside Ramires in midfield for Chelsea and duo look set to start against Stoke as well, with John Obi Mikel likely to drop out.
In the attacking positions, Willian, Oscar and Cesc Fabregas started against Dynamo Kiev and the trio performed well on the night. Pedro also made a return to the squad following his return from injury while Eden Hazard was dropped to the bench.
For the clash against Stoke, Willian looks a certain starter but it will be interesting to see whom Mourinho picks from the selection of Oscar, Fabregas, Pedro and Hazard.
Attack
Diego Costa endured another frustrating night against Dynamo Kiev and there is a real danger of the Spaniard being dropped.
However with a clash against a physical side such as Stoke up next, Mourinho is likely to keep his faith in Costa.
(4-2-3-1)
Via – Lineup Builder
