It’s capital one cup time as holders: Chelsea, travel up to the Britannia stadium as they face stoke as they look to find their confidence after a 2-1 defeat at potentially the last game between the two club’s at the Boleyn ground. Â Jose Mourinho could make some big changes as ill disciplined Chelsea picked up 5 yellow cards and 1 red card in the game against the Hammers with some youngsters being given a chance to prove that they can do it on a wet night in stoke.
Here is my predicted line up.
Formation: 4-2-3-1
GK – Asmir Begovic:
In the absence of Thibaut Courtois the Bosnian international has stepped in and done nothing but cover himself in glory, the keeper has made some crucial saves that have kept Chelsea in game’s but has been let down by some dodgy defending. With Marco Amelia only recently joining the club, he would not be ready to play for Chelsea and it would be a massive risk to play him.
RB – Kurt Zouma:
The Frenchman has been playing at right back for the last couple of games due to out of form Branislav Ivanovic’s absence and has done OK there so far and could keep his place there for the next game.
CB – Gary Cahill & John Terry:
Our title winning defensive partnership looks to have a bit shaky this season but Papy Djilobodji isn’t likely to get any game time any time  soon so expect JT and Cahill to start against Stoke and hopefully get a clean sheet.
LB – Abdul Baba Rahman:
The Ghanaian international played in the last capital one cup game and was given his first premier league start against Aston Villa where he struggled a lot against their wingers but in other games this season he has played very well and with Azpilicueta deserving a rest he could get his chance.
CDM – John Obi Mikel & Ramires:
Both players started in the previous round against Walsall where they played very well and I can see Mourinho sticking with these two as Nemanja Matic is suspended for the game as he got himself sent off against West ham so Mourinho could go with two of his most trusted players.
RM – Oscar:
The 24 year old Brazilian hasn’t been given much game time recently with his last start coming against Southampton where the blues lost 3-1. Oscar is eager to impress with many reports saying he has had a rift with Mourinho. Oscar has been very inconsistent recently and hopes to find his form sooner rather than later.
CAM – Ruben Loftus-Cheek:
Before the international break, Jose Mourinho promised the young Englishman game time after Chelsea’s terrible start to the season but after harshly getting subbed off at half time against Aston Villa, the manager hasn’t stuck to his promise and the youngster hasn’t got any game time since. RLC has put in some amazing performances this season but has been left frustrated having to miss out on game time despite Fabregas poor performances this season but this Tuesday night’s game could be the time Ruben gets to show what he is made of against Premier League opposition. Loftus-Cheek has played in the attacking midfield role a couple of times and even bagged his first England u21 goal from that position so we can only hope he can get his first professional goal for his boyhood club.
LM – Kenedy:
Our best player in the last round; the young Brazilian bagged himself an assist and his first goal for the club. Kenedy’s hard work and determination could’ve earned him a chance to prove himself against premier league opposition.
ST – Diego Costa:
The Spaniard has been out of form this season having only got himself 2 goals in all competitions and is in need of a confidence boost and the game against Stoke could be what he is looking for. Falcao could’ve also been in contention for this position but this is a big game for Chelsea and Mourinho so Costa is the favourite to start.
