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After demolishing Manchester United by a 3-1 margin thanks to Smuel Eto’s sparkling hat trick, Chelsea now turn their focus to host Stoke City at Stamford Bridge in the fourth round of the FA Cup on Saturday. As I write this, the Blues from London are increasingly likely to let go their player of the season from last year – Juan Mata to direct rivals Manchester United and have already roped in Liverpool’s long term target Mohammed Salah from FC Basel. Jose Mourinho’s side are currently third in the Premier League table and are competing on three fronts in the FA Cup as well as the Europe’s elite in the Champions League.
This weekend they take on a Stoke City outfit, who beat Chelsea at the Britannia stadium in the Premier League by a 3-2 margin in what was a crazy match. The Blues however would start as favourites in the fourth round of the England’s oldest competition and we here at Soccersouls provide our readers with Chelsea’s strongest eleven against the Potters.
Goalkeeper
Mark Schwarzer is expected to start in goal as Mourinho might rest first choice goalkeeper Peter Cech. Stoke do possess the attacking prowess up front with their direct style of play and will look to attack the home side. Schwarzer, thus manning the Chelsea goal will have to be wary of the presence of Crouch and Walters up front and will have to deal with aerial balls from either flanks.
Defence
Branislav Ivanovic should be moved to the bench allowing Cesar Azpilicueta to take up his regular right back position while Ashley Cole might don the left side of the defence and will look to barge forward at every opportunity thus putting pressure on Stoke’s wingers. John Terry might be given the time off allowing David Luiz to take up his customary center back position alongside Gary Cahill.
Midfield
New signing Nemanja Matic might be expected to start alongside either of Ramires, Mikel or Lampard. Matic would look forward to a splendid full home debut in front of the vociferous set of fans as Mourinho might just hand him a start. Chelsea’s strongest asset has been their triumvirate just behind the lone striker up front. Oscar is expected to start in the number ten role with Eden Hazard and either of Andre Schrrule or Willian on either side of him. Oscar will be looking to get back into form after a set of unconvincing displays while Belgian Hazard looks to carry on from where he left.
Striker
One of those days where you would feel starting Eto’o would do justice that Fernando Torres after his incredible hattrick against the Red Devils. It is impossible to get into Mourinho’s head to predict the starting XI, but there are not much options for Mourinho as Torres is sidelined with a knee injury which leaves Eto’o as the obvious option.
