Strongest Chelsea Line-up To Face Swansea – Mazacar To Start

After what was a commendable yet lucky draw earned by the Blues against the Gunners prior to Christmas Jose Mourinho’s men will be up against Swansea City to lay claims on their title aspirations for this campaign. Only a couple of points sets apart the top five teams at the top of the table, Chelsea would look to close the gap on table toppers Liverpool, the Blues currently lie fourth on the table with 34 points amassed from 17 games.

Swansea have had an indifferent campaign compared to last season when they finished in a Europa League spot. The Welsh side haven’t really hit the strides this season and currently lie twelfth in the table picking up only a meagre 20 points from 17 encounters so far. So what would be Chelsea’s best possible eleven against Laudrup’s boys?  We here at Soccersouls provide you the strongest possible line up for the Blues on Boxing day.

Goalkeeping & Defence

Swansea City come into the game at the end of a disappointing loss against Everton at home and will be looking to make amends when they travel to Stamford Bridge. Peter Cech will be manning the Blues goal against a side who have lost their top scorer, Spaniard Michu of last season. Cech will be looking to keep a clean sheet to secure yet another home win under Jose Mourinho.

Cesar Azpilicueta’s determined performances from the last few matches will again keep Ashley Cole in the bench while Branislav Ivanovic will again start in the right back position. In the centre of defence captain  John Terry, who ascertained the Blues Championship winning credentials will team up with fellow countryman and the always willing Gary Cahill.

Midfield

Chelsea’s strongest asset has always been their midfield. Mikel Essien or John Obi Mikel should  start as the double pivot in the middle of the park with the triumvirate of Mata, Hazard and Oscar behind the main striker up front. Chelsea will be looking to take the game to Swansea right from the word go and be looking to play in between their opposition channels. Swansea are very good side when it comes to playing high pressing possession style football, something which the home side needs to be wary of. Thus this is where Mikel or Essien along with Lampard will need to step Step up and help the blues to control the midfield

Striker

Fernando Torres will again start up front as the lone striker up front and looking to end his goal scoring drought. The Spaniard has cut a sorry figure at Stamford Bridge since arriving from Liverpool and his scoring record is at best non mentionable. Torres though he may not score, Spaniard is still a better choice than other Chelsea forwards as he has the ability to play make along with doing his forward duties.

Predicted Line-up

Cech

Ivanovic   Cahill  Terry  Azpilicueta

Mikel     Lampard

Mata                                     Hazard

Oscar

Torres