How Chelsea will line up to take on Slovenian champions Maribor in tonight’s Champions League.
Chelsea’s 6-0 win over Maribor two weeks ago put them top of the group, and another win tonight would put them in pole position to win it. Jose Mourinho must strike a fine balance, however, with an important game at Anfield looming on Saturday.
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In light of the crunch Premier League game, José will engage in some light rotation, while ensuring the team he puts out is strong enough to bring home three points from Slovenia.
GK) Petr Cech
Mourinho seems to favour playing Cech in the Champions League now. The question is whether this will continue after the group stage.
RB) Cesar Azpilicueta
Azpilicueta’s red card in domestic competitions means he’s well rested, and can fill in for the rested Branislav Ivanovic at right-back.
CB) Kurt Zouma
Zouma is a regular rotation option, and has excelled whenever he’s been brought into the side.
CB) Gary Cahill
It’s hard to predict whether it will be John Terry or Cahill who is rested, but Mourinho won’t be expecting it to matter too much.
LB) Felipe Luis
The Brazilian has had most of his starts in the Champions League, and that trend will continue tonight.
CM) Ramires
Ramires is in line for his first start after returning from injury. Mourinho will want ot rest Cesc Fabregas, but may also play Ramires wide on the right.
CM) Nemanja Matic
Matic will be key against Liverpool on Sunday, but Mourinho won’t risk dropping his dominant midfielder general, and will instead take him off for Obi Mikel if Chelsea can establish a healthy lead.
AMC) Oscar
Oscar’s good form and Champions league pedigree will see him continue in the hole.
AML) Eden Hazard
Hazard is the key to Chelsea’s attack, and Mourinho doesn’t yet trust the team to play in the Champions League without him.
AMR) Andre Schurrle
Schurrle disappointed against Shrewsbury last week, but will get another chance to play from the start in Slovenia.
ST) Didier Drogba
Diego Costa only played 78 minutes on Saturday, but will be eased back into the first team slowly by Mourinho.