Some say the storm is finally over and that Chelsea are back on track after three consecutive wins, but the truth is that there is still a very long way to go for José Mourinho’s men. Last weekend’s win over Arsenal was probably the catalyst for the Blues to pull rank and fight all the adversities that had been coming their way so far this season.
José Mourinho has been sailing on dangerous seas this term, whether by constantly criticizing some of his players or by verbally abusing the team’s doctor, the Portuguese manager did probably lose control of operations, even if only momentarily, when the new season started last month. On the other hand, “The Special One” always has something up his sleeve and, when no one expected, Chelsea has somehow been reborn from the ashes and secured three consecutive and moralizing wins.
Earlier this week, the Blues had no major trouble in overcoming Walsall FC for the Capital One Cup 1/16 finals in a match during which Mourinho fielded some young players such as Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Kenedy Nunes.
Chelsea’s next English Premier League clash will be against Newcastle United FC, a team that some pundits label as the worst team of the tournament so far. Steve McClaren’s arrival last summer didn’t solve the Magpies’ problems, but in fact seems to have aggravated them even further.
That being said, Chelsea have a golden opportunity to secure their fourth consecutive win, the second consecutive for the English Premier League so far this season, and this might probably be their strongest line-up for upcoming match at St James’ Park.
Goalkeeper
With the Belgian giant Thibaut Courtois still sidelined due to injury, José Mourinho will once again trust his team’s net to the experienced Bosnian international Asmir Begovic, who has only conceded one goal in the last three matches.
Defence
Ivanovic, Zouma, Cahill and Azpilicueta will probably compose Chelsea’s defensive quartet at St James’ Park next Saturday. The team’s captain, John Terry, got back in the team against Walsall FC, but he will probably return to the bench next weekend, changing places with Kurt Zouma, who is currently going through a splendid moment.
Midfield
José Mourinho will probably not change much of his 4-2-3-1 flexible approach and he will most certainly field Nemanja Matic and Cesc Fàbregas, as defensive midfielder and deep-lying playmaker respectively, while Óscar, Pedro Rodriguez and Eden Hazard will assume the more attack-driven roles in the midfield line.
Forward
With Diego Costa sidelined due to suspension, José Mourinho will have to choose between Radamel Falcao and Loic Remy. El Tigre’s goal drought cannot last forever and he will probably be the Portuguese manager’s choice for the St James’ Park match next Saturday.
