Predicting How Chelsea's Starting XI Will Look Next Season

One of Rafa Benitez's last actions as Chelsea's interim manager was to unleash a parting shot, revealing two crucial parts of Chelsea's summer master plan, per the Daily Mail.

One part was the world's most obvious secret, that Jose Mourinho would be returning for a second spell as Chelsea manager. The other? A £100 million spree funded by their Russian owner, Roman Abramovich.

It's no surprise, given that the Blues had to fight tooth and nail with their London rivals Arsenal and Tottenham for a Champions League qualification spot. Even more so, considering their only success derived from the Europa League, one of eight competitions they entered this season.

But under the Portuguese tactician, there is bound to be a major shake up on Fulham Road. Many arrivals, along with some inevitable departures, are expected at Stamford Bridge, and it could be up to Mourinho to lead the club through a transition period.

Here, we take a look at how Chelsea will line up as they bid to challenge for the Premier League and Champions League next season. We feel Mourinho would pick his side to suit the 4-2-3-1 formation, so let's see who made the cut. 

Goalkeeper

Petr Cech

The Czech Republic 'keeper has been in fine form even despite the Blues' sufferings this season and has shown time and time again why he is regarded as one of the finest goalkeepers in Premier League history. He still holds the record for being the fastest to reach 100 clean sheets, and his shot-stopping abilities are virtually unrivaled.

No doubt the return of Mourinho, who was his first manager at the club when he joined in 2004, will provide the motivation to improve even further. And perhaps lodge an attempt to beat their incredible record of conceding just 15 goals in a season.  

There are still doubts over his long-term future, with Thibaut Courtois experiencing a huge rise in his reputation while on loan at Atletico Madrid. Under Mourinho, though, Cech will be one of the first names on the teamsheet.

Defenders

Right Back: Branislav Ivanovic

The Serbian defender almost left Chelsea without playing a game after his surprise £9 million move from Lokomotiv Moscow in 2008. But after adapting to the English game, Branislav Ivanovic has made a similar impact as his compatriot Nemanja Vidic did at Manchester United. Showing a real physicality about his game, the 29-year-old has underlined his importance to the club, holding an enviable ability in the air.

Perhaps his lack of pace and the odd error can put his side in trouble, but Ivanovic is a player who ticks all of Mourinho's boxes: strength, work rate and professionalism.

With his experience in the Chelsea side compared to Cesar Azpilicueta, it's likely that he would leapfrog the Spaniard as first choice, although his lack of defensive discipline may put his position on the line.

Centre-Back: David Luiz

Many rumours suggest that the Brazilian would be one of the first players to leave next season if Mourinho takes over, per Rory Smith and Matt Hughes of The Times, but on the other side of the fence, the 26-year-old resembles a project that Mourinho may relish working with. Sure, he's far from a finished article, but Luiz has chosen his third season at Stamford Bridge to exhibit quality rather than his flaws.

The former Benfica man has had to step up and show leadership when neither John Terry nor Frank Lampard have been available, and his unique style of play shows why he is loved by the supporters. His attitude and passion for football is unquestionable, and Mourinho may be able to channel his extravagance and turn him into a special player.  

Centre-Back: John Terry

One of Mourinho's "untouchables," Terry has endured a season to forget, and Dominic Fifield of The Guardian even went as far as saying that a move to Turkey could be in the cards for the 32-year-old. But a departure for Terry, with the knowledge that Mourinho is coming back, would be something the Portuguese coach would prevent.

Terry is still an important figure at the club, with the academy product still the club captain. But his role was significantly undermined by former boss Rafa Benitez, with the Spaniard choosing Luiz and Gary Cahill as his preferred pairing in the Premier League.

Of course, it has been a tough year for the Barking-born defender, but a return to form in 2013-14 seems inevitable.

Left-Back: Ashley Cole

Another defender who has experienced a season with as many low points as positive, Ashley Cole has shown why he is regarded as one of the best left-backs in the world. Even as he approaches the last years of his career, his tendency to burst up and down the touchline is still ever-present.

Perhaps he does not possess the extra yard of pace as he did when Mourinho signed him in 2006, but seven years down the line, the ex-Arsenal man is showing no real signs of decline in his ability. His service to the club is fondly remembered by the supporters, and the club's decision to hand him a new one-year deal highlights how important he is to the club.

Centre Midfielder: Daniele De Rossi

It's a long shot considering the Italian has been a Roma player for the majority of his career, but according to Gazzetta dello Sport (h/t Yahoo Sports), Mourinho is said to be looking at the possibility of signing the cultured midfielder.

According to the article, a fee of around £20 million would be enough to convince the Roman club to negotiate as De Rossi made just 25 appearances this season. Although he's a popular figure at the Giallorossi, the ongoing uncertainty at the Serie A strugglers could tempt him to move.

Mourinho is believed to hold a massive interest in the Italy international, and with Frank Lampard turning 35 this year, it could be time for a replacement to be brought in.

Centre Midfielder: Frank Lampard

To think that Chelsea's offer of a new one-year deal for their all-time goalscorer would be centred purely around Mourinho is preposterous. However, it would have definitely had an impact. Lampard has endured a tough period at the club but simultaneously proved he is indispensable to the short-term future of Chelsea.

An emotional reunion of Lampard and Mourinho could see the 34-year-old veteran achieve even more greatness in an illustrious 12-year spell in West London. And there is no doubt that the England international will be one of the figureheads of the Blues' revival under the "Special One."

Right Attacking Midfielder: Oscar

For the lack of physicality that the young Brazilian possesses, the 21-year-old has made the same steps as another famous No. 10, Kaka, by moving to Europe. It's fair to say that so far, the move has paid off for both parties. 

Big expectations followed after his £25 million transfer from Internacional, but the Brazil international wasted no time making an impact at Stamford Bridge, scoring a stunning goal against Juventus in the Champions League.

And Mourinho would see that while Oscar is not an ideal winger, his work rate and technical ability means he can certainly make a notable difference in matches.

Centre Attacking Midfielder: Juan Mata

If there has ever been a player with steel-tight job security, Chelsea's little Spaniard Juan Mata has worked hard enough to deserve it. After transferring from Valencia in 2011, the Blues knew they had an excellent creative midfielder joining their ranks. But even Andre Villas-Boas, the man who signed him when in charge of the club, could not have predicted such an impact.

The 25-year-old has taken the Premier League by storm, and despite only completing his second season in West London, he has already racked up 118 games in a Chelsea shirt, with an incredible 64 appearances coming this season alone.

Twenty goals and 36 assists have followed in what can only be described as another magnificent season for the playmaker, and there is no question the PFA Player of the Year nominee can continue to be a pivotal part of Chelsea's future success.

Left Attacking Midfielder: Eden Hazard 

Remember Joe Cole? The England midfielder had been one of the first signings of the Roman Abramovich era in 2003, and was viewed as one of the brightest talents in the game. His preference to engineer moments of brilliance through trickery was something that did not impress his new manager Mourinho, and the Portuguese coach eventually eradicated the skills from his game.

But it may not be the same for Eden Hazard. The Belgian winger is a truly special talent, and at 22, there is still room for improvement. But any doubters of the £32 million spent to bring him to England would have been silenced by some breathtaking displays.

His explosive style of playing is a joy to behold, and gives Chelsea an extra dimension that Mourinho must utilise next season.

Striker: Edinson Cavani

After seeing Radamel Falcao move to Monaco in a €60 million deal, Chelsea are said to be looking at securing Napoli's brilliant forward Edinson Cavani, with the knowledge that a similar fee may be required to force the Partenopei to do business.

Lee Bryan of the Daily Mail says that the Blues are willing to offer a player-plus-cash deal for the talented Uruguayan, but it seems that they may face competition from Premier League rivals Manchester City.

A player with much finesse and composure, Cavani is one of the most lethal strikers in the world after his impressive tally of 29 goals in the Serie A this season, and Mourinho could make the 26-year-old his marquee signing to lead the Blues forward next season.