Chelsea FC vs. Wigan: Predicting the Starting XI for the Blues

Chelsea have no time to relish in their Champions League victory Wednesday night over Benfica as they must continue their form into the league tie Saturday against Wigan Athletic. The Latics come to Stamford Bridge, in real need of points as their hopes of staying in England’s top division are getting more and more unlikely.

The Blues on the other hand are in as much desperate need of a full three points to keep pace with Tottenham for that final Champions League spot. However, with this being the start of a stretch that features six must win matches in 17 days, there is no room for error.

John Terry and Ashley Cole have both been ruled out and Frank Lampard is highly doubtful for the contest. Without those veterans on the pitch, it will be interesting to see who Roberto Di Matteo starts in their place.

Here is my prediction for the starting XI this Saturday.

GK: Petr Cech

With both Terry and Cole out, Cech will have to take charge in the back as the veteran man.

He was exceptional as always against Benfica, warding off shot after shot. Some could argue that he indeed was the man of the match for his play in net.

Hopefully he will not have to be as active Saturday as Wigan poses little threat in the attack. If Chelsea’s defense stands as it should, Cech should only have to touch the ball on pass backs and when he has to grab the occasional cross.

LB: Ryan Bertrand

With Cole out, Bertrand will likely be the starter especially against this weaker side. Bertrand has featured a few times throughout the season, generally against lesser teams to give Cole a rest. But he has always held his own in the role, giving fans something to hope for in the future.

If there is one youngster who has really begun to prove himself this season it probably would be Bertrand.

Oriol Romeu seems to have fallen off the face of the planet and Romelu Lukaku has not been given the proper chance to perform.

Bertrand has come in enough times to show he is a reliable left-back to take over for Cole once he is gone.

CB: David Luiz

It seems that Luiz is finally beginning to turn the corner from a young energetic footballer to a class centerback. He has now put together a string of noteworthy and error free performances that have made the Chelsea defense one of the most difficult to crack over the past few weeks.

Some may see him as needing a rest given the amount of games he has played recently, but he is also one of the few players left around that has an endless tank of energy. Every good game he plays seems to motivate him to do better the next.

Wigan should not threaten too much, and Luiz should have a calm afternoon. He does not have to do anything exceptional, just remain consistent.

CB: Gary Cahill

Cahill has fallen out of favor with Di Matteo, but not so much because of poor play, but more though of Di Matteo not wanting to mess with the relationship Terry and Luiz have formed.

But with Terry out, Cahill will surely step in to take his place.

The first time we saw Cahill and Luiz play together it was difficult to watch, as their miscommunication helped lead to United’s three goal comeback. But they have developed a better relationship since then and are looking stronger every time they play together.

Cahill has even been a surprise in front of goal, netting three in his short time with Chelsea.

RB: Paulo Ferreira

Di Matteo made the bold but popular move of playing Paulo Ferriera in the first leg against Benfica, and it paid off. The Portuguese defender is often lost in the crowd of super stars, but remains one of the most well-respected players in the club.

With Bosingwa playing Russian Roulette with the ball, it is much safer to go with Ferreira on the flanks. He may not get forward with as much speed as Bosingwa, but is as reliable with the ball and positioning as anyone can be.

Ivanovic would also benefit from the rest as well.

CDM: Jon Obi Mikel

For those who wrote off Mikel earlier in the season as dull and not able to keep up with the pace of play, they can now all eat crow as he has been one of the best players on the team over the past few weeks.

His defense in the middle of the pitch has stymied every attack Chelsea have faced when he played, frustrating the likes of Benfica and Stoke into producing nothing out of open play.

CDM: Michael Essien

It is time for Essien to come back on to the pitch and prove his worth.

The Ghanaian has been on the bench for recent games mostly due to matchup problems, along with Lampard now serving in the deep midfield.

However, with Lamps out, Essien will come in to fill the same role.

Alongside Mikel, there will be little the Wigan midfield can do to get into the heart of the Chelsea third with ease. But Essien can also carry the ball up and make decisive passes.

He has always fared better in the EPL as his strength and speed far outweigh his technical ability.

RAM: Salomon Kalou

Kalou has found himself useful in the Di Matteo system. He has been one of the Italian's favorites to play out wide in the 4-2-3-1 system and has done well in it.

His goal against Benfica may have been a tap in, but it was important nonetheless.

He should find plenty of room with his pace down the flank to give Chelsea the width they love to play with. He will not always make the right pass, but does enough in front of the net to warrant a start.

CAM: Raul Meireles

I think it will come as no surprise if Juan Mata does not start.

He has been an important figure in Chelsea’s resurgence, but has recently shown signs that he could be burning out from all the playing time.

Meireles should step up into this role fine. The Portuguese midfielder has struggled this season, but it has mostly been when his role was undefined, not quite defensive, but not far enough up to attack. If he is asked to play behind the striker, then he can really put on a show.

His goals over the past few weeks have also been critical and with Lampard out, they need that long range goal scoring threat coming from the midfield.

LAM: Florent Malouda

It has been two full months since Malouda played a whole 90 minutes. Under Villas-Boas he look disinterested in the game, and under Di Matteo he has really not gotten more than bit role chances.

His relationship on the field with Torres has been non-existent, and when one seems to zig, the other always zags. They are never on the same page.

However, he will get the start Saturday in an effort to both show him that he is wanted and for him to prove his worth.

CF: Didier Drogba

For all the progress Torres has been making over the past few weeks, he is still not ready to take over full responsibilities game in and game out. He will still have to share playing time, if for no other reason than to give his legs a rest.

Drogba is much better suited for the EPL, able to fight off defenders who get into your chest and hang all over your back. Torres struggled mightily against the big centerbacks of Manchester City who bumped him off the ball with ease.

Being flanked by Kalou and Malouda should bring the best out of the trio, as their relationship is probably the best on the team.

I expect all to have an excellent game.

Who Do You Think Will Start?

Wigan may be near the bottom of the table, but they are by no means meant to be taken lightly. This is a game Chelsea should win with ease, but also the kind of trap that could catch them looking to future match ups and find themselves out of Champions League contention by the end of the match.

I suggest here Di Matteo's 4-2-3-1 formation that he has been using in most games.

My picks are looking both toward the future, and the fact that the starters would benefit more from rest than 90 minutes against Wigan.

So who do you think will start Saturday?

As always please leave your comments below and thanks for reading!

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