Chelsea have been in brilliant form all season and now they will face Derby County in the quarter finals of the League Cup. Although most people will expect this to be a walk in the park for Chelsea, the truth is that this is a potential banana skin where a defeat will really undo much of the good work that the West London side has already done this season. However, with this being the quarter finals and also there being a six day gap between now and the Chelsea’s next Premier League fixture, most will be hoping for a moderately strong Chelsea side against the Rams. Here at Soccersouls, this is how we feel Jose Mourinho will line up his team against Derby County.
Goalkeeper: Petr Cech
Even if Thibaut Courtois is fit from his muscle related injury, we feel that Petr Cech will start this one, primarily because Cech is starting all the Cup games. This will also give Thibaut Courtois enough time to recover completely before the Premier League game on Monday.
Defence: Cesar Azpilicueta, Kurt Zouma, John Terry, Filipe Luis
Cesar Azpilicueta was rested in the last game against Hull City and there is not really any doubt in anyone’s mind that he will be starting this match. However, we feel that Branislav Ivanovic will be rested for this one which means that Azpilicueta will start in the right back position. Filipe Luis will thus continue in his left back position from the last match. Gary Cahill is being rested for this match so it is very obvious that Kurt Zouma is going to be taking his place. The Chelsea captain John Terry completes the defensive lineup for the Blues.
Midfield: John Obi Mikel, Cesc Fabregas, Andre Schurrle, Oscar, Eden Hazard
Although there cannot be any doubt that Nemanja Matic has been brilliant this season, you have to believe that this is the game that Jose Mourinho will feel confident resting him in. John Obi Mikel will start as the defensive midfielder with Cesc Fabregas, starting besides him. With the Spaniard already suspended for the last match against Hull, there cannot be any doubts on him starting. We believe that Andre Schurrle will be given a rare start on the right instead of Willian. Oscar and Eden Hazard will keep their places from the match against Hull City.
Forward: Loic Remy
Given the wealth of forwards that Chelsea have in it’s disposal, we feel that Mourinho will not risk Diego Costa for this one. Loic Remy should get the nod ahead of the ageing Didier Drogba for this match.
