Chelsea vs. Schalke: How the Blues Will Line Up in Champions League Game

Chelsea kick off their 2014-15 Champions League campaign in Group G when they welcome Schalke 04 to Stamford Bridge on Wednesday evening. The two sides met in the same stage of the competition last time, with Chelsea running out 3-0 winners in both legs of the tie.

Jose Mourinho is expecting a tough game from the German side. Speaking after the draw was made in August, he told the official Chelsea website:

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At the end of the day we play against a German team:  Germans are Germans, world champions, good league, good teams, strong guys. We played them twice last season and beat them twice, but nobody can say we beat them twice this season so they are difficult…

The thing I like in the group is that we don’t have long, long journeys. Every time we are in the Champions League we then play Man City, Man United, Liverpool and Arsenal – it’s a difficult situation but one to enjoy.

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With one eye on the trip to Manchester City on Sunday, Mourinho will have some tough decisions to make about his starting XI to face Schalke.

Thibaut Courtois has been impressive since making his Chelsea debut against Burnley in the opening game of the season, but he could be replaced by Petr Cech for this match. The Blues’ veteran goalkeeper has been sidelined by the youngster so far, but Mourinho intimated that the cup competitions would lead to opportunities for fringe players like Cech, per Sam Wallace at The Independent.

Filipe Luis could also be handed his first start of the season at left-back to give Cesar Azpilicueta a rest. The Players’ Player of the Year has continued his fine form from last season, but he is still playing out of position. Starting Luis instead would give Mourinho the chance to see what a natural left-back brings to the side.

Gary Cahill and John Terry should start at centre-half despite shipping five goals in the last two Premier League games. Branislav Ivanovic’s fine form in both attack and defence will see him keep his place at right-back.

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Nemanja Matic was cup-tied for Chelsea’s campaign in the Champions League last season after joining from Benfica in January. Now available, he should start alongside Cesc Fabregas in the holding role on Wednesday.

Oscar’s best moments in blue have come in the Champions League, with the goal he scored against Juventus in 2012 a particular highlight. However, his ability to play twice a week has been called into question, and Eden Hazard could replace him in the No. 10 role. Andre Schurrle is likely to replace Hazard on the left of the attacking trio, with Willian getting his first start of the season on the right.

Diego Costa’s blistering form has seen him score seven goals in four Premier League matches this season. However, Mourinho revealed that he has been playing through pain in the last three matches, per Matt Law at the Daily Telegraph.

With the trip to Manchester City on Sunday in mind, Costa could be replaced by new signing Loic Remy in the starting XI. The Frenchman scored on his debut after replacing Costa against Swansea City, and his ability to cut in from either side of the attack should serve him well against Schalke.

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Schalke’s start to the Bundesliga season has been in stark contrast to Chelsea’s Premier League form. They have picked up one point from three games so far and will look to this game to boost the confidence of an injury-ravaged squad. Despite that determination and their defensive efficiency, the strength in depth of the Chelsea squad should see them take maximum points from the opening game.

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