Chelsea have been the most active of the big Premier League clubs, and have bolstered their ranks with the signings of Serbian midfielder Nemanja Matic from Benfica and Egyptian winger Mohamed Salah from FC Basel. They have also seen the departure of hot prospect Kevin de Bruyne to VFL Wolsfburg, Juan Mata is on the brink of a move to rivals Manchester United while long serving midfielder Michael Essien is all set to join Italian giants AC Milan.

With so many changes surrounding the squad, it remains to be seen how manager Jose Mourinho will setup his side, but here’s a look at what seems to be the likely starting eleven for the Blues.

4-2-3-1

Chelsea have a more or less settled lineup which is his first choice when they are fit. David Luiz has recently lost his place in the starting XI, and is fighting for a starting berth with Gary Cahill, and it remains to be seen who Mourinho will prefer. Elsewhere Fernando Torres and Samuel Eto’o are being rotated in the striker position, while almost all other places have been nailed down.

Nemanja Matic’s arrival will see him slot into one of the two defensive midfield positions along with Brazilian midfielder Ramires. Both Matic and Ramires have the ability to move forward with the ball, and this will also add dynamism to Chelsea’s midfield. Frank Lampard and John Obi Mikel are now mainly used as substitutes, and could find playing time further limited by the arrival of Matic. Oscar is the preferred to player to start in the hole behind the strikers while Hazard is also capable in playing the role if need be.

Willian, who arrived in the summer, has been preferred on the right, and new signing Mohamed Salah will be fighting it out with the Brazilian for a place in the side. Mourinho likes his wingers to play inverted and cut onto their strong foot, and so Salah may be the perfect solution given Eden Hazard offers something similar on the left. Andre Schurrle has mainly been used as a sub, and he’s capable of playing in any position along the front line.

4-3-3

This is the formation that Mourinho is likely to use in big games, as he looks to have more bodies in midfield. This will likely see one of Frank Lampard or Jon Obi Mikel get to start with the midfield duo of Matic and Ramires. If Mikel plays, he’ll be the most defensive-minded of the trio and will look to stay back and shield his back four, while Lampard is likely to play a slightly more advanced role.

While Hazard is a fixture down the left, Andre Schurrle may be preferred to start on the right over Willian or Salah. Schurrle has the pace and the skill ideally suited to the role, compared to the 21-year old Salah who is still to experience the Premier League. Willian provides a different sort of option to the two more flair players, and may be used also thanks to his creative abilities.