Chelsea welcome Porto to Stamford Bridge on Thursday night to contest the final game of Group G and the Blues will need to avoid defeat during the clash in order to seal top spot in the standings.
Chelsea’s mini-renaissance was brought to an unceremonious halt following a disappointing 1-0 home defeat at the hands of Bournemouth on Saturday and things are looking gloomy for the Blues once again.
As an opportunity to take their minds off the struggles in the Premier League, Chelsea will now prepare to square off against Porto in the final game of the Group Stages in the Champions League at Stamford Bridge and Jose Mourinho will surely be keen on his side to bounce back with a victory over the Portuguese giants.
Here is a strongest possible lineup for Chelsea on the night –
Goalkeeper
Thibaut Courtois made his long awaited return from injury for the clash against Bournemouth but it was not the most auspicious of occasions for the Belgian goalkeeper as Chelsea succumbed to a disappointing loss.
In all fairness, Courtois did make a couple of good saves during the clash and the young goalkeeper will now be keen on helping his side to victory in the midweek game against Porto by aiming to keep a clean sheet.
Defence
Cesar Azpilicueta was a surprise omission from the Chelsea starting lineup against Bournemouth and the defender should make a return to the first XI in Wednesday night’s Champions League encounter.
Abdul Baba Rahman will most likely make way for Azpilicueta while the rest of the backline should be completed by Branislav Ivanovic, Kurt Zouma and Gary Cahill. John Terry is struggling with an injury and is unlikely to feature on the night.
Midfield
In midfield, the duo of Cesc Fabregas and Nemanja Matic look the most likely combination but there is a possibility that John Obi Mikel might also be handed a chance for first team football.
Willian and Pedro will be starting on the wide areas while Eden Hazard could take up a central role at the expense of the ineffective Oscar, which in turn will facilitate the return of a recognized striker back into the team.
Attack
Diego Costa was once again left on the bench for the clash against Bournemouth but given Chelsea’s toothless performance in attack, the Spaniard could be handed a reprieve in the midweek Champions League clash.
Loic Remy also remains an option for Mourinho to choose from but with the Frenchman looking out of favour, Costa is likely to be given the nod to lead the line.
(4-2-3-1)
Via – Lineup Builder
