Chelsea’s upcoming match against Liverpool on Sunday will prove to be a last ditch effort to come away with the Barclay’s Premier League title. Not only do Chelsea still remain in the hunt for the league title, but they are still in strong contention to take home the Champion’s League trophy in which they take on Atlético Madrid next midweek. Manager Jose Mourinho has spoken, saying he plans to put out a second string squad against Liverpool to rest his players for the Champions League.
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Mourinho has stayed consistent with his formation this entire season. It is fully expected to see this formation again, but Mourinho can really pull anything out of his bag of tricks.
Goalkeeper: Mark Schwarzer
This will be the Australian’s time to shine. With first choice keeper Petr Čech out for the rest of the season with a shoulder injury, Schwarzer will hope finish out the rest of the season with strong performances. After a shaky performance against Sunderland, Schwarzer will hope he can avoid any season shattering slip-ups and instead relish the opportunity.
Right Back: Branislav Ivanovic
The Serbian has started all but three Premier League games this season, so it would not be a surprise to see him in the starting eleven. Having shown strong and consistent performances throughout the whole season, the only thing stopping him is age, which factors his speed.
Center Backs: David Luiz and Gary Cahill
The John Terry and Cahill combination has been so reliant for Chelsea of recent but captain Terry suffered a season ending injury to his ankle rendering him to the sidelines. Luiz had a particularly strong game in Madrid in the midfield and will look to continue his good run of form in front of goal. Cahill will do his best to contain the likes of Luis Suarez.
Left Back: Ashley Cole
Mourinho will be looking to rest first choice Cesar Azpilicueta for the Madrid game coming up next week. Cole certainly did not have a bad performance against Atlético, it was hard to gauge his impact because most of the Chelsea team was defending by his side.
Center Defensive Midfielders: Frank Lampard and John Obi Mikel
Both Lampard and Mikel are suspended for their next Champions League game due to a collection of yellow cards. Lampard will look to provide himself as another attacking outlet for the Blues while Mikel will play his trademark role in front of the back four and defend at all costs. Lampard will duel it out in the midfield with fellow England international Steven Gerrard.
Left Wing: Andre Schürrle
Eden Hazard is out with injury to his calf and missed the previous Madrid clash. It is probable we will see the Belgian make an appearance from the bench. Schürrle will make the most out of this opportunity and will do his best to penetrate the Liverpool defense.
Center Attacking Midfield: Oscar
With only two goals in his last fourteen appearances the Brazilian will be looking to change his run of form. Capable of the incredible, he now poses as a threat on set pieces and can provide nifty passes in tight areas.
Right Wing: Willian
Oscar will likely be joined by fellow Brazilian Willian. After a slightly shaky start at Chelsea, he has managed to integrate himself and is looking to claim a spot in Mourinho’s starting eleven.
Striker: Fernando Torres
The Spaniard, despite not having scored, had a great game against his former club in Spain. He was able to hold the ball, sprint forward and create space, and managed to challenge the goalkeeper. Hopefully Torres will be given another chance to play against another former team.
