Chelsea have picked up two new signings since their embarrassing 3-0 defeat to Manchester City, and will be hoping that this will be enough to make up the difference between them and the Citizens.
Abdul Baba Rahman was the first to arrive at Stamford Bridge, with the left-back potentially vital after the failings the defence showed its frailties on Sunday. The 21-year-old will only get better at his age, and could work as an understudy to Cesar Azpilicueta or allow the Spaniard to move to right-back.
More recently the Blues have brought in Pedro from Barcelona. The 28-year-old will add much needed width to the team, and could help Cesc Fabregas back to form by giving the former Arsenal man a willing outlet.
Here is how they could line up with the pair…
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GK) Thibaut Courtois
The Belgian wasn’t at fault for the goals last weekend, and continues to be one of the best ‘keepers in the Premier League.
RB) Cesar Azpilicueta
Branislav Ivanovic showed that time may finally be catching up with him against the Sky Blues, making numerous mistakes. Azpilicueta has was originally a right-back, and could shift across easily.
LB) Abdul Baba Rahman
The man allowing Azpilicueta to move across is Rahman, who could add an extra dimension going forward with his pace as well as reliability at the back.
CB) John Terry
It is perhaps too early to write off the 34-year-old, who played every minute of Premier League action last season.
CB) Gary Cahill
The England international didn’t cover himself in glory last weekend, but there are few other options for Jose Mourinho.
CM) Nemanja Matic
While all others were failing, the Serbian put in a valiant effort against City and is one of the best defensive midfielders in the world.
CM) Ramires
Mourinho’s natural cautiousness may come back after a big defeat, and the hard work of the Brazilian will appeal to the Portuguese.
CAM) Cesc Fabregas
The Spaniard showed that he doesn’t have the defensive nous to play deeper at the moment, but he can still have a major effect on matches from further forward.
LW) Eden Hazard
Quite possibly the best player in the league, and as such is undroppable.
RW) Pedro
Willian hasn’t been terrible in the position, but he has been guilty of not bringing the flair that a £30 million player should. Pedro can bring know-how and the ability to make a difference in big matches to the position.
ST) Diego Costa
The 26-year-old’s aggression and willingness to run himself in to the ground is perfect for Mourinho’s style of play.