With Manchester United in the weekend, who should Chelsea start against Basel?

Chelsea are one game away from their third European final in six years. With two away goals in the bag we are in the driving seat and are favourites to go through to Amsterdam.

However, this game is far from over and FC Basel are very dangerous opponents, as Rafa Benitez explained yesterday when he said:

“We have an opportunity but my concern is that we will be thinking we are in the final. It’s not the case. We play against a very good team, a team who have scored goals away from home, so everyone has to realise it will be tough, difficult. Hopefully I will be wrong and we will score a lot of goals and go through. But I think they will come and try and score, like they did at Tottenham Hotspur.

“They will be offensive, they will push. That’s the only way they can qualify. I am concerned but I’m not afraid. We know they are a dangerous team. They’re quite strong, can score goals away, but we know we are so close to the final. We have to be focused and make sure we don’t make mistakes but I have a lot of confidence in my players. We cannot think about lifting the trophy yet. First of all we have to win. After, we can think about the final.”

He’s right and I am slightly concerned ahead of the game tonight. Basel hold no fear of anyone and look to impose themselves in the game. They have taken on some of the biggest teams in Europe and have come out on top, so we cannot afford to approach the game thinking it’s already won.

With Manchester United on Sunday at Old Trafford and the all important Champions League qualification as a priority, it’s important that Chelsea get their team selection right. They have to remain strong and start the game well. A Chelsea goal tonight makes it ten times more difficult for Basel.

So, with Rafa’s squad rotation policy in full effect of late, I personally would like them to start with the following eleven:

Cech, Azpilicueta, Cahill, Terry (C), Bertrand, Luiz, Lampard, Moses, Mata, Hazard and Torres.

This side would not take Basel’s challenge too lightly and are expected to come up trumps at home, while also leaving some key members rested for Manchester United’s trip to Stamford Bridge on Sunday. Who do you think should start tonight?