5 Changes Chelsea Is Likely To Make For Schalke Clash
Chelsea surpassed their best ever run of the 2005 season, after the side triumphed against a very Lackluster West Brom side. After goals from Diego Costa and Eden Hazard, the London side was able to coast throughout the second half, exerting minimum effort and keeping the ball for as long as possible, obviously keeping an eye on their crucial Champions League tie against Schalke 04.
With Chelsea topping the Champions League table, they will be wary of being complacent against a side that held them to a surprise draw in the first leg of the tie.
However, Portuguese tactician Jose Mourinho will be very careful of tiring his players out, after what is their best start since Mourinho’s first season at the Bridge.
The London side will be looking for a win to close this group up, whilst at the same time increasing their chances of facing a lesser side in the knockout stages of the competition.
Rotation will be a key factor, as the team will be looking to balance their priorities this season, with at least a treble in their sights.
We look at 5 possible changes to the Blues team, from the one that faced West Brom on Saturday;
CECH FOR COURTIOS
34 year old shot stopper Petr Cech has reiterated his desire to bring about a change in his current situation at the Bridge. After being named in the PFA team of the season, the veteran seemed to be good for another season with the Blues.
The young Belgian’s arrival has relegated the aged Cech to the bench. The good news for the Czech international however, is that Mourinho has never been shy about rotating his goalkeepers… With the veteran starting the last two Champions League encounters.
SCHURRLE FOR WILLIAN
The German has been overcome with illness in recent weeks and has missed out on crucial club and international commitments.
The youngster’s inclusion on the bench for the West Brom game is an indication that he might be fit and ready to go after sometime off due to injuries.
His manager will be aware of the winger’s unique qualities and might be looking to get him fit for future games in the League and Capital one fixtures. While at the same time ensuring that the work horse Willian gets some rest.
REMY FOR COSTA
The Spaniard was declared fit for the tie on Saturday and showed his quality by scoring his 11th goal of the season. However Mourinho will be cautious of the way he plays the former Atletico Madrid forward, who seems to be prone niggling muscle injuries.
At the same time, the Portuguese will be looking to give the Frenchman Loic Remy a run out for the sake of his match fitness, after the striker spent time on the side-lines due to a groin problem.
RAMIRES FOR FABREGAS
The Spanish international bagged his 12th assist of the season, as he supplied Hazard with the 2nd goal in their win against West Brom. The 27 year old overcame a back problem that left him out of international duty to play on Saturday and his manager might want to rest to him.
Ramires is also coming back from injury and will need time on the pitch to gain match fitness.
FILIPE LUIS FOR AZPILICUETA
Filipe Luis has been ousted from the squad with the return of the Spaniard Azpilicueta from suspension. Luis is a world class left back that will need playing time, if he is not to become discontent with the lack of opportunities with the first team.
The Blues are locked on favourites to win this game, and is seems very unlikely that the German side will be the ones to ruin the team’s unbeaten run thus far.