Midfield
Ake, Mikel, Oscar.
The ever-so-versatile Nathan Ake is all set to make his first appearance this season in midfield. The highly rated youngster is much fancied by Jose Mourinho and he would look to make the most of these league cup opportunities as he looks to boost his development. He will play the anchoring role in midfield alongside the dependable John Obi Mikel, who would look to shield the defence and break up the Bolton attacking play. Oscar was overlooked for the trip to the Etihad but should start in his favourite No.10 role this time around. The Brazilian would look to find spaces in the attacking third to feed the likes of Remy and Schurrle.
Forwards
Salah, Remy, Schurrle.
Mohamed Salah’s pace and directness will lend Chelsea an attacking edge against Bolton. The game will be a great opportunity for the former Basel man to lay down a strong claim for a starting spot. The high-flying Eden Hazard will be rested and German Andre Schurrle should switch over to the left.
Schurrle will start on the left hand side of the attacking midfield threesome but would look to cut inside and get on the end of crosses in the box. Much like he did at the Etihad on Sunday. Loic Remy looks like the most obvious choice to lead the line as Diego Costa should be rested following his Premier League exertions. Remy would know that opportunities would be hard to come by at a top club like Chelsea, and must make an impact in a bid to stake a stronger claim for the lone striker position in Jose’s system.
