Chelsea will be hoping to lift the first silverware of the season
Jose Mourinho and Chelsea go into this Sunday’s League Cup final at Wembley as favourites to pick up the first trophy of the season against Tottenham, with both clubs aiming to win their fifth title.
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Chelsea will be without Serbian midfielder Nemanja Matic as two games of his ban for violent conduct were upheld by the FA, following his angry reaction to Ashley Barnes’ horror tackle in the Premier League game against Burnley last Saturday.
Ramires is expected to deputise for the holding midfielder, with Kurt Zouma making his cup final bow for the Blues.
GK – Thibaut Courtois
The Belgian stopper has been in fine form for the Blues this season, and has been favoured in the later stages of the competition, justifying Jose Mourinho’s decision to drop long-time number 1 Petr Cech.
RB – Branislav Ivanovic
The right-back has been a near ever-present this season and is one of the safest pairs of hands in the Premier League, while also having a knack for scoring important goals.
CB – John Terry
Chelsea captain and will always play in games as important as these whenever he is available for selection.
CB – Kurt Zouma
The young French defender has grasped his first team opportunity with both hands. He possesses power, speed and isn’t afraid to get stuck in where it hurts, the opportunity to play in a major cup final could do his development the world of good.
LB – Cesar Azpilicueta
The 25-year-old Spaniard has had the better of Filipe Luis in the battle to be Chelsea’s first choice left back. Mourinho will elect to recall him following Luis playing in the Burnley game.
CM – Ramires
The Blues will be hurt by losing Matic to suspension, but Ramires is hardly a bad option to be able to call upon. The Brazilian will bring more attacking impetus and creativity to the side which could be vital in carving Tottenham open on the huge Wembley pitch.
CM – Cesc Fabregas
Fabregas picks himself really, an absolute revelation for his side’s midfield, he could be the difference in this match to win his first silverware since swapping Barcelona for west London.
AMC – Oscar
The 23-year-old has scored six and created seven goals this season, being one of the first names on the team-sheet so far. Chelsea fans will be hoping for a moment of magic from Oscar.
RW – Willian
The former Shakhtar man hasn’t wowed crowds at Stamford Bridge as much as he’d have liked this season, having scored four and only created three goals. He will be hoping the rise to the occasion of a major cup final.
LW – Eden Hazard
The Belgian has had a brilliant season so far and has recently committed his long term future to the west London club after signing a five and a half year contract. He has the ability to tip the tie in Chelsea’s favour by striking fear into Tottenham the hearts of Tottenham’s defence if he’s on his game.
ST – Diego Costa
Joined the club this summer after impressive form for a title winning Atletico Madrid and has picked up where he left off in Spain this season, scoring 17 goals. Che;sea’s success may well depend on whether he is on form.