Projected Chelsea Lineup To Play Against West Ham United On Boxing Day – Oscar Returns, Fabregas Joins Matic

While Chelsea courtesy of their brilliant away win against Stoke City cemented their lead over Manchester City in the Premier League table, Jose Mourinho knows that this boxing day fixture against West Ham United is as crucial as it ever can be. With the fixtures coming in thick and fast, the Chelsea manager knows that his side must pick up three points at home even though it is an inform Hammers side. Here at Soccersouls, we take a look at the Chelsea side that Jose Mourinho will pick for the Boxing Day clash with fellow London rivals West Ham United.

Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois

The Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois will start as the man below the sticks once more and will look to improve as his personal duel with David De Gea for the best goalkeeper in the Premier League is really heating up.

Defence: Branislav Ivanovic, John Terry, Gary Cahill, Cesar Azpilicueta

Everyone knows that Jose Mourinho does not like tinkering with his defence much and that means that he will trust the same back four that he has put his trust upon for almost the entirety of this Premier League campaign. The brilliant John Terry will start at centre back along side Gary Cahill while Branislav Ivanovic and Cesar Azpilicueta will be the two full backs for this match.

Midfield: Nemanja Matic, Cesc Fabregas, Willian, Oscar, Andre Schurrle

Now this is the place we feel will be the most interesting aspect of team selection for Friday’s match against West Ham United. With the fixtures coming in so fast, we have no doubt that Jose Mourinho will look to rest one of his players. Having already rested Oscar in the last match, we here at Soccersouls feel that it will be Eden Hazard’s turn to get a break. The wildly talented German Andrer Schurrle will take his place in the left flank. Oscar will also come back to the team as the central attacking midfielder which means that Cesc Fabregas will be pushed down to partner Nemanja Matic as the double pivot of the Chelsea midfield. Willian will as usual start on the right flank.

Forward: Diego Costa

While there might be some concern that Diego Costa has lost some of his shine and vigour from the early season, the Brazilian born striker will lead the line for Chelsea at home to West Ham United.