Chelsea kick off their title-defending campaign at Stamford Bridge later this afternoon, and face a tough test against Gary Monk’s impressive Swansea City.
With only two victories from penalty shoot-outs in their pre-season, all eyes are on the Premier League champions to send a message of intent to challengers Arsenal, Manchester City and Manchester United that they will not be relinquishing the trophy with ease.
New summer signings Asmir Begovic and Radamel Falcao are set to miss out on a place in Jose Mourinho’s XI, and Loic Remy is expected to lead the attack with Diego Costa’s fitness are major concern ahead of the new season.
With minimal activity in the transfer market, the Blues are expected to field a line-up similar to that which secured the title.
Take a look at our predicted XI…
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GK – Thibaut Courtois
After forcing club legend Petr Cech out of Stamford Bridge, little less than an outstanding season is expected from the Belgian. Jose Mourinho will surely have set the 23-year-old with the target of clinching the Golden Glove.
LB – Cesar Azpilicueta
There are few – if any – better players in this position than Azpilicueta. However, if the Blues don’t secure a replacement to Filipe Luis, there may be no back-up to the Spaniard, and his fitness will be crucial.
CB – John Terry
The Chelsea captain was in stunning form last term, and was pivotal to their formidable defence. He featured in every minute of the club’s title-winning campaign, and despite his 35th birthday arriving in December, he’ll be out for a repeat of this success.
CB – Gary Cahill
The England international’s performances were worrying at times last season, but his partnership with Terry is essential to the intimidation of the Blues defence.
RB – Branislav Ivanovic
He was confirmed as vice-captain last week, and few can argue that the right-back is deserving of the personal honour. As with the rest of the Chelsea backline, he’ll have to be at his best against Swansea’s quick attack.
LDM – Nemanja Matic
Key to their success last term. The most intimidating midfielder in the Premier League, along with Manchester City’s Yaya Toure and Manchester United’s Morgan Schneiderlin.
RDM – Cesc Fabregas
While supporters would love to see the former Barcelona playmaker in a No.10 role, his grit in the centre of the park compliments Matic, and allows him to dictate the game behind his attackers. He disappointed against former side Arsenal on Sunday, and will need a much improved performance against the Swans.
LW – Eden Hazard
The PFA Player of the Year has been drawing comparisons to Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi over the past few weeks but, despite his effortless talent, he still has much to prove to reach the La Liga duo’s level. Goals, goals, goals will be his target this season.
AM – Oscar
Jose Mourinho seems to use the Brazilian sparingly, but he made a significant difference to the Chelsea side after coming on against Arsenal in the Community Shield on Sunday. He could be key in their title-defending campaign.
RW – Willian
Willian looks set to continue to keep Juan Cuadrado out of Mourinho’s XI. He scored just two goals and registered three assists last season, and while his work-rate is crucial, these stats must surely improve.
ST – Loic Remy
In worrying news for Mourinho and the Stamford Bridge faithful, Diego Costa is said to be struggling with the hamstring injury that saw him sidelined at the end of last season. With Radamel Falcao still looking to rediscover his confidence after a debilitating loan spell at Manchester United, Remy is set to lead the attack – and will be desperate to get his name on the scoresheet.
