With a loss to FC Porto all but guaranteeing Chelsea’s elimination from the Champions League, Jose Mourinho is making some bold choices for his lineup. The Special One is apparently choosing to stick with the struggling Eden Hazard and Oscar in the middle while bringing back Diego Costa despite his recent poor behavior on the sidelines.
Cesc Fabregas has been axed for his poor form while John Terry and Branislav Ivanovic are back in the lineup.
For Mourinho’s sake and the rest of the season’s sake, he had better hope that his gamble pays off in a big way.
Here is the Chelsea starting XI v Porto in their Champions League clash:
GK Thibaut Courtois
A welcome return to the lineup after months of poor play from Asmir Begovic.
DF Azpilicueta
Cesar stays put at the left-back spot.
DF John Terry
In matchday five it was Gary Cahill and Zouma making the big plays. Could this week be Terry’s turn?
DF Kurt Zouma
Zouma was phenomenal as a sub against Maccabi Tel-Aviv. Now he gets the start.
DF Branislav Ivanovic
Important game in the football future of Branislav Ivanovic.
MF Nemanja Matic
No change to Matic’s status.
MF Ramires
Taking over for Fabregas, Ramires has a big opportunity to get significantly more reps in the Premier League with a big performance today.
MF Eden Hazard
If Hazard does not get back to form against FC Porto, Hazard will be in serious hot water.
MF Oscar
Played great against Maccabi Tel-Aviv, but not as strong in the rest of the Champions League
MF Willian
Perhaps the best dead-ball kicker in Europe, Willian will be invaluable in this final matchday.
FW Diego Costa
Will Costa return to form or seal his one-way ticket out of Stamford Bridge?
Here’s the CONFIRMED @ChelseaFC Starting XI vs. @FCPorto – Can Jose Mourinho’s side turn things around tonight? pic.twitter.com/dGMLPcXLL4
— CaughtOffside (@caughtoffside) December 9, 2015
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