Chelsea square off against Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium on Tuesday night and many believe that it could be curtains for manager Jose Mourinho if the Blues suffer a defeat during the clash.
Chelsea’s torrid start to the season continued with another disappointing 2-1 defeat at the hands of West Ham United at the Boleyn Ground on Saturday and the loss has increased the pressure on Mourinho exponentially.
Many feel that the cracks that have appeared for Chelsea this season is far beyond repair and Mourinho could well be shown the door sooner rather than later.
Judgment Day for Mourinho could be as early as in midweek when Chelsea travel to the Britannia Stadium to contest the Capital One Cup Round of 16 clash against Stoke City and a defeat could well prove to be disastrous for the disgruntled Portuguese manager.
Here is a strongest possible lineup for Chelsea on the night –
Goalkeeper
Asmir Begovic endured a difficult time against West Ham United but the Bosnian international is likely to be retained in the starting lineup against his former team.
There is no doubting that Begovic is an outstanding goalkeeper and he will be more aware than most about Stoke’s ability to cause problems for the backline.
Defence
Kurt Zouma was surprisingly used as the right back during the defeat at the hands of West Ham United but with the Frenchman not looking entirely comfortable, Mourinho could make changes to his backline on Tuesday night.
Ivanovic is still out injured so Cesar Azpilicueta should be shifted out on the right while Abdul Baba Rahman could well be handed a start in the left back position.
Zouma is likely to be used in the centre back position alongside Gary Cahill, which means that John Terry will be handed a rest.
Midfield
Pedro is still out injured while Nemanja Matic is banned after picking up a red card against West Ham. With Matic out, either Ramires or John Obi Mikel should be handed a start at the middle of the park alongside Cesc Fabregas.
Oscar was left on the bench against the Hammers but he should return to the starting lineup on Tuesday, while the wide positions will most likely be occupied by Willian and Eden Hazard.
Attack
Diego Costa was ineffective against West Ham but one can be sure that he will be up for the fight against Stoke on Tuesday.
With Loic Remy out, Radamel Falcao will be the backup option for Mourinho to choose from for the clash.
(4-2-3-1)
Via – Lineup Builder
