Last season’s Capital One cup winners, Chelsea, start their COC campaign with an away fixture against league 1 side: Walsall. The blues look to play a rotated side with some first team players in an attempt to assure that the blues make it through to the next round and avoid any upsets. With Courtois and Willian out of the team due to injury Mourinho will have to make some big decisions but I have faith that he will choose well.
GK – Asmir Begovic: With first team goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois getting a lengthy knee injury, Jose Mourinho has been forced to play the Bosnian in goal despite conceding 6 goals in his first 2 premier league games, during these games he cover himself in glory by making a few quality saves to keep the blues in them games. Some may say Blackman might get a chance on Wednesday but the gaffer wont take the risk as we dont want to avoid any more cup upsets.
RB – Branislav Ivanovic: Despite receiving a lot of stick from the Chelsea fans for his performances this season, Branislav Ivanovic put in an amazing performance against Arsenal at the weekend and I can see Mourinho play with some experience in the back line against Walsall.
CB – John Terry: The Chelsea captain has struggled to get game time this season with sending off’s and Kurt Zouma being in great form but Mourinho has reportedly confirmed that the Centre Back will be starting, Terry’s leadership in the back will be crucial and will hopefully help Chelsea keep a clean sheet.
CB – Papy Djliobodji: The Senegalese international is yet to make his debut and with him not being named in the Champions League squad he is bound to make an appearance against the league one side. Papy has a fierce physical presence so it wont be hard to adapt in our defence.
LB – Abdul Baba Rahman: Baba made his debut in last week’s 4-0 victory at home to Maccabi Tel-Aviv and made a great impression to the manager but Jose thinks Baba is not ready for the premier league yet thats why he wasn’t in the matchday squad against Arsenal but it would be stupid for Mourinho not to include Baba, Azpilicueta will probably get a rest for the important game against Newcastle.
CDM – Ruben Loftus-Cheek: One of hopefully academy graduates, Ruben Loftus-Cheek has had an impressive start to the season when he has played, the talented midfielder has a great eye for a pass and a great tackling ability which resulted in him getting the man of the match award against Maccabi Tel-Aviv and with Mourinho resting him against Arsenal, surely he will be starting against Walsall
CDM – Ramires: The speedy Brazilian has not been given many chances this season but may be given his chance to prove himself once again against Walsall, with his electrifying pace he could be an added threat to the Walsall defence.
RM – Betrand Traore: The young Burkina Faso talent hasn’t had any chances this season apart from a brief cameo apperance against Maccabi Tel-Aviv where he looked lively and almost scored but his shot didnt have enough curve, with Chelsea playing against weaker opposition the young winger could be given his chance to show what he is made off.
CAM – Kenedy: The young Brazilian was brought in the summer from Brazilian side Fluminense and hasnt been given many chances so far this season, he impressed the coaching staff when he came on against Crystal Palace but struggled to many an impact when he came on against Everton, yet again as we are playing a weaker side I can honestly see Kenedy starting behind the striker and creating chances and maybe get a goal.
LM – Loic Remy: The Frenchman is one of the most clinical strikers in the club but on this occasion could be deployed out on the left wing, his fast pace and ability to create a chance could be a massive thorn into the defences side, Expect to see Remy to cut inside off the flank and score on Wednesday
ST – Radamel Falcao: Â Falcao struggled to find form at United last season but the Colombian looks to be growing in confidence and has already bagged himself a goal this season, he is another player who Mourinho has reportedly said will start on Wednesday, if the Colombian manages to get a goal on Wednesday it will boost his morale a lot.
