Chelsea FC: Schurrle May Lead Line Away To Manchester
Aug 4, 2013; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Chelsea forward Andre Schurrle (14) celebrates his goal against AC Milan during the first half at Metlife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
The injury bug won’t seem to go away for Chelsea FC early on in this Premier League season.
Striker Diego Costa spent some time in hospital earlier this week nursing a stomach bug and hamstring injury after his return from the international break with Spain, and was a doubt for the match against Manchester United.
Jose Mourinho has said he will not “protect” his striker away at Manchester United, saying Old Trafford is not the place for that, and that if Diego Costa has a full, unrestricted training session and appears ready to play he will face the Red Devils.
"‘I don’t protect players before a Man United game, unless he cannot play. If there is a chance of playing, Old Trafford is not the place to protect players, it is the place to put the players who want to play and are ready to play. If Diego is ready to play, he plays.”- Jose Mourinho"
The striker position is getting attention because Costa’s preferred backup, Loic Remy, was injured in the 6-0 romp over Maribor in Tuesday’s Champions League match. Reports have Remy ruled out for the match, leaving Dider Drogba as the only first team striker, with youth team star Domenic Solanke also a theoretical option, but most likely won’t start make his starting debut in a tense league match at Old Trafford.
Chelsea are still top of the league, currently holding a 5 point lead over Manchester City (who lost at West Ham Saturday) and a full 10 points clear of United, but Louis Van Gaals side seem to be a more potent attack after the addition of Angel Di Maria before the summer transfer window closed. A trip to Old Trafford is still not an easy affair for any side, but a team missing its star striker may be vulnerable. Chelsea will be hoping to maintain their lead though, and hopefully Diego Costa will be ready to assist.
Chelsea FC Team News
Diego Costa is a question, Loic Remy is out. Cesar Azpilicueta is serving the first of a 3 match suspension for his sending off against Crystal Palace. John Mikel Obi and Ramires could return to the side, along with Andre Schurrle who could get a start at striker for the Blues away to Manchester United for the 2nd season in a row, if Didier Drogba is not fit for a full 90.
Chelsea FC Predicted Starting XI:
———————-Courtois——————–
—-Luis——Cahill——JT———Ivanovic–
—————-Matic——–Fabregas———–
—Willian———–Oscar———–Hazard—
———————-Schurrle———————
Predicted Result:
Manchester United 1-2 Chelsea FC
UTC!
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