With the heavyweight clash against Manchester United next weekend and with Chelsea not really expecting a tough fight to qualify from the group stages of the Champions League, expect some squad rotation in the Chelsea team which will face Maribor. While Jose Mourinho will know that he cannot afford to take it easy in any match, much less a Champions League encounter, but given the stakes at play this is what we feel will be his lineup for the game vs Maribor on Tuesday night.
Goalkeeper:
Petr Cech
This is personally a tough one as Jose Mourinho can go either ways on this. Although he has not rotated his goalkeepers in the Champions League so far, we feel that Petr Cech might get to start this match to keep him match sharp which will give the young Belgian Thibaut Courtois a rare night off.
Defenders:
Branislav Ivanovic, Gary Cahill, John Terry, Cesar Azpilicueta
We expect the central defensive pairing of Gary Cahill and the captain John Terry to continue for this match. Felipe Luis would have definitely been in contention for the left back spot if not for the red card received by Cesar Azpilicueta against Crystal Palace on the weekend. However given his red card which means suspension from the next three Premier League fixtures, the Spaniard will retain his place in the starting lineup. Branislav Ivanovic will line up on the right of the Chelsea defence.
Midfielders:
Nemanja Matic, Cesc Fabregas, Mohamed Salah, Oscar, Eden hazard
With Ramires still injured, it will be the fantastic duo of Cesc Fabregas and Nemanja Matic who will start the match as the double pivot in the Blues midfield. However as the match goes on expect Fabregas to make the runs in the opposing penalty box which has made him such a revelation in the Premier League again. With Andre Schurrle ruled out by Jose Mourinho and Willian already playing the match against Crystal Palace, we expect the Special One to give an opportunity to Mohamed Salah to impress from the wings. Oscar will yet again get the chance to play at the tip of this midfield against this Maribor side. Eden Hazard will complete the midfield lineup for Chelsea.
Attack: Loic Remy
With Didier Drogba still injured and no one yet knowing the full status of Diego Costa’s injury, the Frenchmen Loic Remy will yet again get the chance to lead the line for the Blues. Loic Remy will be hoping to put in a superlative performance to audition for the main striker’s role for the match against Manchester United next weekend.
