Chelsea’s possible XI against Steaua Bucuresti

After a surprising defeat at the hands of Stoke City last week, the Blues turn their attention towards Champions League as they host Romanian side Steaua Bucuresti in the final round of the group stages. Chelsea stand at the top of group E, but only a win against Steaua will confirm top spot for them as they are just a point ahead of Basel to whom they suffered defeats both in home and away. However, qualification is confirmed for Mourinho’s men and a draw might be enough to ensure top spot depending on the Schalke v Basel game.

Goals have not been a problem for the Blues this season, four goals against Sunderland was followed by another two against Stoke, but the 6 goals that they have conceded would be a worrying sign for Mourinho and the Portuguese manager would like his team to tighten up at the back as the enter the Business end of the campaign with games approaching thick and fast during the Christmas period.

The match against Steaua has probably come up at the right moment for the Blues who can get themselves on the goals and keep a clean sheet to gain some of the lost momentum before they host Crystal Palace during the weekend which is followed by a London derby at the Emirates.

Steaua Bucuresti are yet to pick up a win in the group stages ending three of their matches in a stalemate. When the Blues traveled to Romania, they trashed them 4-0. So expect Mourinho to line-up a host of changes team tomorrow in the hope to give some of his youngsters and benched players a run at the first team.

The Express reports that Ashley Cole might be called up again for the starting berth ahead of Azpilicueta, who has been deputizing at left-back for the injured English International.

Defence

With reports claiming that Cole might be involved in the game, Azpilicueta might be benched for this one or even used in his regular right-back role while Cech would probably continue in goal. The Cahill/Terry partnership should continue at the back as Luiz is yet to return to the squad.

Midfield

While Lampard has continued to play a part in the midfield, the England International should be rested for this one. A double pivot involving Mikel and Ramires would not be a bad option for Mourinho. While the likes of Hazard and Mata have been performing to their maximum potential week in week out, expect them to continue in the starting line-up. Elsewhere on the left, Mourinho has to choose between Willain, Schurrle and De Bruyne and I think Schurrle might get the nod ahead of the others thanks to his brace against Stoke.

Although this is what I think would happen, Mourinho might field an entirely different line-up. You never know with the “special one”.

Forwards

All the three strikers Torres, Eto’o and Ba have been equally poor this season and there are no favourites for this position.