Chelsea will entertain the newly promoted side Cardiff City at Stamford Bridge on Saturday where Jose Mourinho would be looking for nothing less than full three points.
The gaffer has almost a fully fit squad for this tie. In defence, Gary Cahill will probably drop to the bench allowing John Terry and David Luiz to continue at central defence. Ashley Cole is likely to miss out for this tie after suffering a rib injury that caused him to miss England’s World Cup qualifiers. In his place, Ryan Bertrand could come in.
In the midfield, Frank Lampard could be used from the bench, following his participation in the World Cup qualifiers with England. John Obi Mikel and Brazilian Ramires could form the central midfield partnership in that case.
Mourinho has an avalanche of attacking midfield players to choose from. Juan Mata scored for Spain in the midweek and Mourinho could use him on the left-flank. Or else, he can deploy Eden Hazard as well. Oscar has been Chelsea’s best player according to the Portuguese and the Brazilian is expected to keep the no 10 role for his side. Andre Schurrle has been brilliant for Germany as well, and he should expect a starting line-up berth too on the right flank.
Demba Ba did well against Norwich City in the last match and in absence of Fernando Torres, Mourinho could give the Senegal international a chance in place of Samuel Eto’o.
Prediction: Comfortable 3-0 victory for the Blues
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