Tomorrow sees the start of Chelsea`s 2014/2015 Premier League campaign and we are all very excited to see what The Blues can offer. We kick off at Turf Moor against newly promoted Burnley in a match which should prove difficult. Playing a newly promoted, especially in their own back yard, is a tough challenge to kick off our domestic campaign but you could argue that Burnley probably didn`t want us first either. The game is hotly anticipated by football fans and pundits alike, not least because we finally get to see Diego Costa and Cesc Fabregas in Chelsea shirt`s playing competitive football.
The starting line-up has been hotly debated on various internet forums and newspaper columns and, if Mourinho has honoured his promise, the players should now know who will be in the starting 11 tomorrow evening. There has been a lot of speculation surrounding a number of key positions, most pertinently the goalkeeping and number ten role. Courtois or Cech? Fabregas or Oscar? Matic or Ramires? Luis or Azpilicueta? Willian or Schurrle? All these questions, and more, will be answered tomorrow evening and, with the lead contenders all making winning albeit shaky starts, Chelsea have the chance to lay down a real marker.
Predicted Starting Line up
My starting line up may surprise a few and I`d love to hear your opinion in the comments section below. I`ve opted for Courtois in goal and the same back four that had the best defensive record in the Premier League last season. I don`t think Luis has been convincing enough to break into the team yet although Mourinho may well disagree. Whatever the case, I feel sure that JT and Gary Cahill will anchor the defence in front of our new, 22 year old Belgian shot-stopper. After much debate, it seems as if Courtois will take the number one spot tomorrow evening.
My midfield isn`t how I would play if all players were fit but, following pre-season, I think this may be how Mourinho kicks things off. Matic seems a certain starter and I think he will be partnered by Fabregas tomorrow. From what I saw of Oscar, he doesn`t look ready for competitive action yet; he looked tired and slow on the ball and Chelsea need to move the ball fast and direct against the likelihood of a Burnley back ten. However, Ramires is actually banned for this game, having not served the remainder of his suspension from last season so I think Oscar will play. Fabregas can support the young Brazilian and provide an alternative point of contact going forward; the Spanish international held various assist records during his time at Arsenal and I hope he can build on that this season.
Hazard played well against Sociedad and really grew into the game but he must now grow into a world class player and become used to the close attention of 2/3 defenders. The difference between Cristiano Ronaldo/Lionel Messi and the rest of the universe is that they are marked by multiple players but rise above it and perform consistently. Hazard must look to produce this sort of form if he is to become a world great. A goal tomorrow would be a great start. Willian looked sharp and his relatively small involvement in the World Cup means he`ll be fresher than the likes of Schurrle. Willian`s position may actually be occupied by Mohammed Salah instead.
Diego Costa is a bit of a no brainer up front. His power, skill and finishing ability will hopefully give the likes of Jason Shackell a real problem. I`d love for Costa to score a couple tomorrow; confidence is key in the modern striker and, after a poor end to the season, the Brazilian born 25 year old will need a strong start to settle any pre-match nerves.
The score-line? That`s a tough one. Although Burnley will be up for the game and their every touch will be roared on by the home support, I think the class of Chelsea will show. We`ve got quality all over the pitch, plenty of experience and that raw hunger to succeed off the back of expectation. I`m plumping for a 2-0 to Chelsea .
Please get involved below and tell me what you think!
Up the Blues!
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