Chelsea kick-off their Capital One Cup campaign on Wednesday when they host Bolton Wanderers at Stamford Bridge. Jose Mourinho is expected to make wholesale changes to a side that have set the early pace in the Premier League, picking up 13 points from a maximum of 15. Mourinho would have fond memories of the competition as this was the first piece of silverware he won in 2004-05, and although Chelsea would want to compete in all four fronts come the business end of the season, the competition offers an opportunity for the fringe players to get a look in, the visit of Bolton being no exception.
The likes of Diego Costa, Eden Hazard, Cesc Fabregas and captain John Terry are likely to be given a breather, opening the door for Petr Cech, John Obi Mikel, Kurt Zouma and Loic Remy to make rare starts for the table toppers. Bolton would look to better a dismal record against Chelsea, having failed to win any of their previous 18 meetings dating back to 2003 when John Terry put the ball through his own net. Let’s take a look at the team Jose Mourinho may put out to get the job done on Wednesday evening.
Goal Keeper:
Petr Cech
The former No.1 still remains one of the best goalkeepers in the world, and given Thibaut Courtois would start all Premier League and European games, Cech should get his chances in the domestic cup competitions. Not a bad backup keeper to have in you squad, is he?
Defenders:
Ivanovic, Zouma, Cahill, Luis.
Cesar Azpilicueta has been ever present for the Blues and should get a much deserved rest, while skipper John Terry is also likely to sit out this one. Branislav Ivanovic should continue on the right side of the back four, while youngster Kurt Zouma should get his long awaited opportunity this season. The match also promises to be a emotional reunion of sorts for Gary Cahill as he takes on his former club. Filipe Luis’s opportunities have been mainly restricted to substitute appearances after his summer move from Atletico Madrid, but Mourinho should finally get an opportunity to tinker with the back four and try a natural left back.
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