Chelsea will look to kick-start their season with a win against Israeli side Maccabi Tel Aviv when they return to action in the Champions League on Wednesday night.
Following yet another disappointing defeat away to Everton, changes to the starting XI are likely. Whilst Maccabi Tel Aviv may not pose the biggest threat, given the recent form of the Blues, we’re going to need a big performance. Both Mourinho and the Stamford Bridge faithful will be expecting one.
Here is how we think Mourinho may line his team up.
GK: Asmir Begovic
If there can be any positives from Courtois’ injury, it is that we get to see this man prove his doubters wrong. We have been criticised by pundits, ridiculed by Arsenal fans over the sale of Petr Cech. However so far this season, Begovic has been up there with the best, if not the best performer this season.
RB: Cesar Azpilicueta
Now, this all rests on Branislav Ivanovic being dropped to the bench. Unfortunately, the Serbian’s decline is hurting the team and the fans want to see new signing Baba Rahman given a chance. Yet Mourinho’s unwillingness to drop the defender may continue.
CB: John Terry & Gary Cahill
Mourinho did confirm that Cahill would return to the team for the Wednesday night clash and all being well, he does. Kurt Zouma has done okay when he has been called upon, but whenever possible, the English pair start for me
LB: Baba Rahman
A home game in Europe, against on paper, the weakest opposition in the group, should be a great game to introduce Baba Rahman into the squad. The addition of Cahill and Terry to the squad would add stability to the defence, making this the perfect time to hand the young left back his debut. His attacking nature should help get us on the front foot in the game where we desperately need a victory.
CM: Matic & Loftus-Cheek
The middle of the park is going to be a huge decision for Mourinho. Fabregas has not performed this season in a deeper a role, moving him into a more advanced role against Everton did not pay off either. Similarly to Baba Rahman, this game provides him with the perfect chance to start Loftus-Cheek next to Matic.
Matic is the ideal partner for Ruben in the midfield, he will provide the youngster with protection, allowing him more of a free role. Mourinho promised us that Loftus-Cheek would get minutes, it’s time he stood up to that promise.
LM: Hazard
If there is one man in the team that Mourinho should give the chance to, it is Hazard. No player is un-droppable, but Hazard has to come good sooner or later. The winger played a big part in the group stages of the Champions League last season and lets hope he can do the same this year!
CAM: Kenedy
All the signs have been positive from the young Brazilian so far. Coming off the bench twice against Palace and Everton, he has been quick, positive and direct. It isn’t clear as of yet where he will play, but should he play against Maccabi, I imagine he would rotate heavily with Hazard.
RM: Pedro
Again, one of the fewer bright sparks of the season so far. By no means has he been amazing, but he always looks a threat on the ball with the intention to beat his man and attack. For a home game in the Champions League against weaker opposition, and I use the word weaker very loosely, Pedro is one of the first names on the team-sheet for me.
ST: Falcao
This one is a real gamble, any of the three strikers could start. I think Falcao will get the nod for the sake of rotation to the side. Costa has not enjoyed a great start to the season and Remy and Falcao should be given the chance.
Mourinho seems to be favouring Falcao at the moment, which makes you wonder, why Loic Remy isn’t getting a chance? I think it is great for Falcao to get a good number of games under his belt early on, plus a goal against Palace. I think Falcao will start and possibly grab a goal too.
How do you rate that team? What would you change? Let us know your thoughts.
