In their Champions League clash against Maccabi Tel Aviv, Mourinho tweaked this defense line that has come under heavy criticism after several bashing from bottom and top Premier clubs. They lined up in the champions league without Ivanovic and Terry, and the team kept a clean sheet for the first time this season.
This weekend, the Premier League defending champions will line up against arch London rivals in a must-not-lose match, and they will be hoping to keep their first clean sheet of the League.
As per team news ahead of the Premier League clash, PhysioRoom suggests Radamel Falcao will be fit for the clash but Costa is expected to start up front – Costa netted the third goal against Maccabi and he will be hoping to replicate and build on his goal scoring prowess.
The Blues new boy Rahman Baba made his debut in the Champions League last Wednesday and was impressive. However, it is uncertain if Baba will be given the nod at left back with Azpilicueta moved to the right. Ivanovic may be feature at right back or patner John Terry at the heart of the defense.
Pedro and Willian are ruled out of the weekend match (source: Sky Sport) and Ramirez or Kennedy may be in the starting line up.
This is how Chelsea may likely line-up:
Goalkeeper: Begovic
Defense: Ivanovic, Terry, Cahill and Azpilicueta
Midfield: Matic, Fabregas and Oscar
Attack: Hazard, Costa and Ramirez.