Chelsea might be the team to beat in the Barclays Premier League, but Jose Mourinho wouldn’t be hugely excited about the prospect of taking on the combative Stoke at the Britannia Stadium. Going away with a victory from a freezing night at Stoke City’s fortress is a task easier said than done, but Chelsea have the strength in depth to be able to play a free-flowing passing game or take on the home side shoulder to shoulder. Last season’s ploy of playing football the right way didn’t quite yield the right result as a Chelsea side comprising the likes of Ramires, Schurrle, Mata and Hazard lost a cracking 3-2 thriller. The latter might just be the way forward, with the imposing presence of Nemanja Matic also added to the mix.
Let’s take a look at the side Jose Mourinho might send out to get the job done at the Britannia Stadium.
Goalkeeper – Thibaut Courtois
Undisputed choice. Little debate over Courtois’ selection.
Defence – Ivanovic, Terry, Cahill, Azpilicueta.
If there’s a back four one could pick for the trip to Stoke, look no further than the solid Chelsea defence of Branislav Ivanovic down the right, the central defensive pairing of John Terry and Gary Cahill, and the industrious Cesar Azpilicueta down the left. Strength, power and experience at its best in the Premier League.
Midfield – Fabregas, Matic, Schurrle, Willian, Hazard.
Fabregas and Matic will play as the two pivots with the Spaniard being given a greater license to move forward and dictate the tempo of the game from an advanced position.
Andre Schurrle scored both goals against Stoke last term and his energy and goalscoring prowess should see him selected over Oscar, with Willian moving to the No.10 role. Eden Hazard has been in scintillating form this season and would be a threat all night long down the left flank.
Forward – Diego Costa
Diego Costa should find himself at home at the Britannia. His physical game should mesh perfectly with Stoke’s, and there’s always the chance of one or two heated moments during the game. What are the odds on a silly Costa red card I wonder!
