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.
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
(Image) Adebayo Akinfenwa Trolls Diego Costa Over Steven Gerrard Scrap
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.
CM) Nemanja Matic
The glue which holds the Chelsea side together, Matic may have to be more adventurous if Cesc Fabregas’ injury is worst than first feared.
CM) Ramires
With doubts surrounding Fabregas’ fitness, Ramires automatically becomes important for this Chelsea side and if Mourinho’s post-match comments are anything to go by, the Portuguese coach is delighted to have the midfielder back.
“My Ramires is back, that’s the second best news of the day. The first to be in the final but to have our Ramires back after weeks of work and sacrifice.”
AM) Oscar
Oscar is starting to show the kind of form which justifies Mourinho’s sale of Juan Mata as the Brazilian combines invention and resilience in the no.10 role.
ARM) Willian
Despite a lack of end product, Willian’s balance on the right hand-side of Chelsea’s attack will prove vital as defensive solidity covers for the lack of goals Diego Costa’s absence will result in.
ALM) Eden Hazard
Chelsea’s weaving magician will become more important should Costa be missing for three games, meaning Hazard will surely attempt to live up to Mourinho’s demands and deliver match-winning moments on a consistent basis.
CF) Didier Drogba
This will constitue Mourinho’s biggest decision but if history is to be taken into account, Drogba is likely to take centre stage just as he did at Old Trafford earlier in the campaign.