Strongest Chelsea Lineup To Face Sunderland – Ba, Oscar And Salah To Start, Rotations At The Back?

After grabbing an important victory by the thinnest of margins against Swansea last weekend, Jose Mourinho’s men will know they have to beat Sunderland at home to keep alive their Premier League title aspirations. Meanwhile Sunderland will come into this game on the back of an inspired 2-2 draw at the Etihad last night, denting Manchester City’s title hopes.

Gus Poyet has claimed that he will do his all to avoid relegation but the time is surely running out for the former Brighton and Hove Albion manager. Mourinho however will have no problems egging his players up to grab three points at home before the crucial clash to take on Liverpool at Anfield which might just about decide the fate of the Premier League title.

So what will be the Chelsea’s most strongest lineup against Sunderland in the weekend? We here at Soccersouls have the answer.

Goalkeeper:

 After grabbing yet another clean sheet against Swansea, Petr Cech looks well placed to win the Golden Glove award this season. Sunderland do possess attacking threats of their own but Cech can well fancy himself yet another shutout in front of the vociferous home faithful.

Defenders:

Cesar Azpilicueta would like to have a break with Ashley Cole making a comeback before the crucial Champions league semi final clash away to the Vicente Calderon against Atletico Madrid. However, it all depends on Cole’s fitness and by the looks of it, his chances are bleak.

Branislav Ivanovic however should start in the right back slot. Mourinho can opt to bench Gary Cahill ahead of the midweek clash preferring David Luiz to partner captain John Terry in the middle. Sunderland have rarely won away games this season and shouldn’t trouble Chelsea much at Stamford Bridge despite their battle to stave off relegation.

Midfield:

Nemanja Matic will hold fort in central midfield role while Frank Lampard will get a start in the middle of the park. The dazzling Belgian Eden Hazard is still out thanks to a suspect calf injury as Egyptian Mohammed Salah should once again start from the right. While Oscar should play in his favourite number ten role, hardworking Brazilian Willian should be drafted on the left.  Andre Schurrle will be given a breather as the German will definitely start against Atletico in the coming midweek.

Strike Force:

Demba Ba’s two successive winning goals means that he will lead the line up front on his own. Fernando Torres looks set to be benched again as the Spaniard has been linked to a move to Italy with Inter Milan looking interested to sign him. Samuel Eto’o could yet again be injected in the second half to kill the game or give the relegation threatened Black Cats’ defense something different to think about if the clash remains a stalemate by the time the substitution is needed.