With the Blues travelling to take on Premier League leaders Liverpool this weekend, we take a look at the team manager Jose Mourinho will field against the Merseysiders …
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GK: Mark Schwarzer
The 41-year-old Australia international came on in the first half to replace the injured Petr Cech at Atletico Madrid in the Uefa Champions League in midweek, and with the Czech now out for the season, the reserve keeper will keep his place in goal for the trip to Merseyside.
RB: Cesar Azpilicueta
Expect the reliable and adaptable Spain full back to shift over to his more familiar position of right back against the Reds on Sunday to allow for a number of personnel changes by the visitors.
CB: Gary Cahill
The England international has enjoyed a fine campaign at the heart of the west London club’s back four so far this season alongside skipper John Terry, although he will be without the Blues skipper on Sunday through injury.
CB: Branislav Ivanovic
With the Serb suspended for the midweek trip to the Vicente Calderon, expect Mourinho to recall the versatile defender to his starting lineup against Liverpool, although the 30-year-0ld is set to feature as a centre back rather than a right back to cover for the injured Terry.
LB: Ashley Cole
The England international was given an all too rare run-out in the Spanish capital last Tuesday, and the left back will once again be given a chance to impress ahead of this summer’s World Cup when he faces the Merseysiders this weekend.
RW: Mohamed Salah
With the Egypt international cup tied for the Blues in Europe after having only arrived at Stamford Bridge from Basel in the January transfer window, the wide man will therefore definitely feature from the start at Anfield.
CM: Nemanja Matic
As with Salah, the Serb cannot play against Atletico on Wednesday, so making his inclusion against the Merseysiders on Sunday an absolute given.
CM: Frank Lampard
With the veteran Englishman having picked up a yellow card against Atleti in midweek that rules him out of the return leg of the Champions League semi-final at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday, the 35-year-old will be certain to start Sunday’s encounter with Liverpool.
CM: John Obi Mikel
Another who picked up an untimely booking at the Calderon last Tuesday that now sees the Nigeria international suspended from the return encounter with Atletico next week, and so again confirming the holding midfielder’s place in the Chelsea starting lineup against the Reds this weekend.
LW: Andre Schurrle
The Germany international did not start last Tuesday’s encounter in the Spanish capital and so with fresh legs, expect the winger to be selected to begin this huge fixture on the left flank as one of five midfielders.
ST: Demba Ba
With the west Londoners now down to their last two fit forwards, the Senegalese should get the nod to lead the line at Anfield, while strike partner Fernando Torres returns to play up front on Wednesday against his former club in the Champions League.
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