Chelsea drew their last Premier League game against Newcastle United and suffered further disappointment in the midweek when FC Porto defeated the Blues in the Champions League. The West London outfit are defending champions, but they look far from winners at the moment having won just twice in seven league games, which has left them languishing in 14th place in the table. Terry and Gary Cahill had one of the strongest centre-back pairings in the league last season, but the same defence has been an issue this time around considering that Chelsea have allowed 14 goals to be shipped past them in seven fixtures.
Goalkeeper: Asmir Begovic
With Thibaut Courtois out until December at the earliest, Asmir Begovic will continue to deputise in goal. He has done well since he was handed the task of being Chelsea’s number 1. Although Begovic doesn’t have the luxury of a solid defensive line in front him, still he has performed exceptionally well this season. If it weren’t for him Chelsea would have easily conceded many more goals.
Defense: Azpilicueta, Terry, Zouma and Baba Rahman
Skipper John Terry is set for a recall to the starting eleven after being left out at St James’ Park last weekend with Kurt Zouma partnering him, the man most likely to drop out is Gary Cahill. Azpilicueta will be most likely be deployed on the right, while Baba Rahman is expected to start on the left. One player who has disappointed majorly this season is Ivanovic and one feels that the time has come for Mourinho to rest his star player and give a chance to the new summer signing.
Midfield: Matic, Fabregas, Kenedy, Hazard and Willian
Mourinho might stick with experienced defensive midfield pairing of Matic and Fabregas for this one, the Spaniard in particular has struggled for form this season but still remains a very important cog in the Chelsea machine. Dropping Hazard may have been a ploy to inform the squad that no-one is untouchable, but it didn’t really work. He is still their best player and should be reinstated on Saturday. On the other wing we might see the youngster Kenedy, he could well be the mercurial talent who could ignite and get Chelsea back on the winning path. Willian bagged yet another goal on Tuesday night from yet another free-kick. He seems to be the only Blues player capable of making something happen and should start right behind the striker.
Attack: Radamel Falcao
Colombian star striker Radamel Falcao may get the nod ahead of Loic Remy to start as the lone striker up front against the Saints. Costa is still serving his three match ban but the striker was the club’s best player against Porto and more importantly looked to score goals rather than get into fights.