Predicting Chelsea’s Probable Line Up For The 2014-15 Season: The Headache That Jose Mourinho Has

Expected line-up for 2014-15 season

Chelsea will be entering the season with a very strong squad and manager Mourinho will have a good selection headache ahead of the matches. But before the exciting new season begins, fans like to guess the formations and the probable first team players and it is pretty exciting for most of us to make estimates and imagine the strength of such a team. Chelsea have a squad capable of fighting it out on all three fronts- The Premier League, the UCL and the FA Cup. Here is the probable starting line-up.

Goalkeeper:

Thibaut Courtois/Petr Cech

It is going to be a tough battle between the young Chelsea star and the experienced one. We cannot estimate who is going to be the definite starter as of now, but Courtois seems to have an edge because of Cech’s recovery stages and also because he is a good 10 years younger. Cech is no newbie to competition and has said that he is ready to give his best for the club.

Defenders:

Right Back: Cesar Azpilicueta

Azpilicueta is likely to play on the right flank, his natural position. He has really improved a lot last season and has shown a lot of fight to get a starting berth after his season started off from being a substitute player. His defending has been top notched and he does not fear to put his body on the line. Work rate and aggression along with the ability to play both full back positions, Azpilicueta would be a key defender for Chelsea.

Centre Back: Branislav Ivanovic/ John Terry

It is very likely that John Terry and Ivanovic will be rotated in central defence. Terry’s age and slowness means Chelsea struggle while pressing higher up the pitch, while Ivanovic is still in his prime and has ideal mobility for a centre back. The easing out of the Chelsea skipper seems to be happening this season as we did see Ivanovic playing in Central defence a few times.

Centre Back: Gary Cahill

A very key player and definitely one of Chelsea’s best defenders last season, Gary Cahill has really stepped up many notches to establish a firm position in both the club and country level football. He has also attracted a new contract from Chelsea which would pay him wages over 100k and he deserves it every bit.

Left Back: Filipe Luis

Filipe Luis, Chelsea’s new man from Atletico Madrid would be expected to be at Left Back. He is experienced and has recently won the La Liga and played in the Champions League final with Atletico. Naturally left-footed, he likes to cross and he’s excellent in it. He can deliver accurate crosses while also position himself well while making overlapping runs. He is a good all-round full back because he is a proven defender with his stamina and work rate.

Midfielders:

Central Defensive Midfield: Nemanja Matic

Matic would be playing in the holding midfield as one of Chelsea’s most important players. He is the ball winner and the enforcer for the team with his clean recovery of possession and sharp vision for counter attacking football. His huge frame and positioning means that he can dominate most opposition players physically. He also has a great range of passes.

Central Midfield: Cesc Fabregas

Chelsea’s new signing, Cesc Fabregas would be expected to operate as the play-making pivot midfielder. He seemed to be very comfortable and at his best playing in central midfield and dominating the game. He can play ahead as well, but with his range of passing and slightly slower speed means that he is perfect for the all action central midfield role in the team.

Attacking midfield: Willian

Willian is most likely to continue as Chelsea’s first choice at Right attacking midfield. He a tremendous worker on the pitch and has natural Brazilian flair. He has been Jose’s go to man, and a powerhouse for the team. Willian is likely to be rotated with Schurrle, but mostly being the first choice. Willian is more of a midfielder than Schurrle, who is a finisher. Mourinho would like his first choice that way.

Attacking midfield: Oscar

Oscar is likely to continue his role as the central attacking midfielder after his continuous industrious and direct attacking display last season. Oscar adds a lot of quality pressing in the attacking third and would be a very important player as Chelsea plan to press higher up the pitch and create problems for teams trying to defend deep. Oscar’s creativity goes unnoticed sometimes, but his dribbling and passing is going to be important in Chelsea’s campaign.

Attacking midfield: Eden Hazard

Hazard is going to be Chelsea’s key attacking midfielder. Last season he impressed heavily under Jose Mourinho and added defensive attributes and discipline to his game. He is going to enter his third season in Chelsea and expectations would be high. Chelsea would need to win trophies to retain a talent such as Hazard.

Striker: Diego Costa

Costa is surely going to be Chelsea’s first choice striker next season and with the built and finishing he brings, it does look like Chelsea mean business. Costa scored 27 goals in La Liga last season, closely behind Messi and Ronaldo. If his goal scoring form continues, Chelsea may well be Champions.