Chelsea’s potential line-up should Diego Costa receive a three match-ban…
Chelsea striker Diego Costa has been charged with violent conduct after appearing to stamp on Liverpool’s Emre Can in the highly charged league cup encounter at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night.
The incident resulted in mass uproar around the country, with Costa developing a reputation of taking his competitive edge too far with recent clashes with John O’Shea and Wes Brown going unpunished.
Diego Costa has been charged for violent conduct after an alleged stamp on Emre Can http://t.co/TsnFvPYdx1 pic.twitter.com/cQFvEnCRgl
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) January 28, 2015
Should Costa fail to launch an appeal by 18:00 this Thursday evening, the Spanish international will be handed a three match-ban which will see him miss the all important clash against Man City on Saturday. Considering that Costa has contributed to 17 league goals in 19 Premier League appearances, the punishment would represent as a significant blow to Chelsea.
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Chelsea Star Diego Costa Facing Three Match Ban for Emre Can Stamp
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With his inevitable absence, Chelsea’s forward line may need some tweaking with both Didier Drogba and Loic Remy waiting in the wings to enter Jose Mourinho’s starting XI:
GK) Thibaut Courtois
Following his impressive performances to keep Chelsea in the tie in both legs against Liverpool, Courtois proved that he is a level above rival Petr Cech at the moment.
RB) Branislav Ivanovic
As Filipe Luis struggles with a hamstring injury, Ivanovic’s right-back slot is under no immediate threat as he recovers from his recent slump in form.
CB) Kurt Zouma
Gary Cahill’s disastrous displays have resulted in Mourinho axing the England man with Zouma the direct beneficiary of the situation, and a clean sheet against Liverpool has gone a long way in vindicating his manager’s decision.
CB) John Terry
The ever-present Chelsea captain is vital for his side more than ever as he guides a young Zouma through some intense games. A new contract is surely due?
LB) Cesar Azpilicueta
One of the most consistent defenders under Mourinho, Azpilicuta should be drafted back in following his recovery from a thigh injury, and the timing couldn’t be more ideal as Filipe Luis faces a spell on the sidelines due to injury.