Depth is a key factor in any team’s ambition to win silverware and dominate their contemporaries in European football today.
The Chelsea hierarchy seems to have realized this, and have adequately reinforced the squad this season, with at least two quality players in each position of need.
The Blues have a trip to Portugal this week to face a very competent Sporting Lisbon side, followed by a weekend clash against Arsenal.
Chelsea side is unbeaten in every competition this season, and a good rotation policy has been integral to their successful campaign thus far.
The London outfit has engagements in four different tournaments and will need their team in top condition to compete with other world class clubs.
After a relatively easy but hectic win against Villa, Chelsea will be looking to refresh the team for the trip to Lisbon.
Jose Mourinho’s press conference yesterday revealed that the previously doubtful Diego Costa would be fit to play.
In fact the Portuguese tactician confirmed that the Spaniard would start the Champions League clash.
“Diego Costa will start tomorrow and hopefully he plays against Arsenal on Sunday”- Jose Mourinho.
The Chelsea Boss has been known to be a firm believer in always starting his best players.
He surprised analysts by stating that he wasn’t planning to rest Costa for the midweek clash:
“There is a risk, yes. But we assume the risks and he plays. I don’t rest people. I make decisions. I don’t think about Arsenal on Sunday. I think about Sporting. I’m going to start with the team I think is the best team.”
Apart from the already confirmed injury of the Brazilian Ramires after the City match, the Chelsea manager also confirmed that the towering striker Didier Drogba is currently out with an ankle injury.
“Didier Drogba will be out for a couple of weeks, he has a problem with his ankle and wasn’t able to travel”-Mourinho.
In light of the above, we will now look at 4 likely changes the Chelsea manager is sure to make:
Filipe Luis for Cesar Azpilicueta
In his brief cameos on the pitch, Luis showed repeatedly that he deserves a starting spot. He is the best attacking full back on the team and will be crucial in Chelsea attempts to break down defensively organized teams.
Courtois for Cech
Petr Cech got behind the sticks for the first time this season in the capitol one cup, and showed he could still do an adequate job when called upon. His manager will need him in top shape if Thibaut Courtois were ever to suffer an injury.
Schurrle for Hazard
The German has made substitute appearances in the club’s last two premier league outings and made outstanding contributions each time. With Eden Hazard withdrawn early in the second half against Villa for playing below his usual standards, Jose Mourinho will be looking to try a new approach on the left wing.
Mikel for Fabregas
With pundits like Gary Neville criticizing the Spaniard’s lack of defensive contribution, in what were an awful defensive performance and an unusually ordinary attacking contribution, the former Barcelona midfielder may be discarded for a more defensive pivot player in Mikel.
Despite the expected changes, the Chelsea team is still expected to produce enough quality to easily overcome their opponents tonight.
