Chelsea FC: Picking the Starting XI to Beat Tottenham Hotspur

Chelsea have finally come crashing down after a splendid run of form; on Wednesday night, they were outclassed by Manchester City and lost 2-1. The Blues stand, now, five points adrift of Tottenham and six points adrift of Arsenal.

Chelsea will be looking to close the gap down at all possible costs when they entertain Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge. Tottenham have been going through a horrendous run of form and a win over them is most likely.

Here is the starting 11 to defeat Tottenham and move closer to the lucrative Champions League spot. 

Goalkeeper

Petr Cech will definitely be the goalkeeper. For such a crucial fixture, he will have to carry on his superb goalkeeping form. 

Defenders

With John Terry out with injury and Branislav Ivanovic's muscle injury, Chelsea's options remain limited. 

Left-Back: Ashley Cole

Although he is losing his pace and touch, he is still capable of great runs and putting the ball into dangerous areas. He is equally effective as a defender.

Center-Back: David Luiz

David Luiz was great against Napoli and defended astutely. He did not have a bad game against City either, so I expect him to start. 

Center-Back: Gary Cahill

Partnering David Luiz will be Gary Cahill, who has, surprisingly, been finding himself on the score sheet for two games in a row. Expect a solid performance from the Englishman. 

Right-Back: Jose Bosingwa 

There is a 50 percent chance of Ivanovic recovering from his slight muscle injury. If he is fit, he should play by all means. Jose Bosingwa, in my opinion, will be taken apart by Gareth Bale and might cost the Blues the match.

However, with limited options, he would be given the nod to start. 

Midfielders

For the game, I am expecting a 4-3-2-1 formation, like the one we observed against Napoli. 

Defensive Midfielder: Frank Lampard

I am going to go with Lampard for this game. He has been in great form and delivers when results need to be grinded out. 

Defensive Midfielder: Michael Essien

One word to describe Essien thus far is "woeful." He looks like a shadow of his former self and keeps giving the ball away needlessly. However, he is equally capable of churning out above-average performances.

Attacking Midfielder Right: Ramires

Ramires is a must for the game. He is very dangerous going forward, can pick a pass and infuses the team with bountiful energy.  

Attacking Midfielder Left: Daniel Sturridge

Daniel Sturridge might be the key difference in the game. He does, however, have to stop hogging the ball and release to people who are in open spaces. 

Attacking Midfielder Center: Juan Mata

Against Manchester City, Mata was a bit lackluster. However, anyone is entitled to an off game once in a while. Expect Mata to lay some superb balls in to the striker. 

Striker

After an emphatic game against Leiceister, he flopped at the Etihad.

He was not completely poor and contributed well, but was barren in the statistics field yet again. However, confidence is key for any player, and Torres is no exception.

Expect Torres to fire in at least one goal or pick up an assist. 

Substitutes

The following substitutes will be present: 

Ross Turnbull

Paolo Ferreira

John Obi Mikel

Raul Meireles

Florent Malouda

Salomon Kalou

Didier Drogba

What do you think of the Starting XI? Please leave your opinions. 

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