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The teams are in for Chelsea’s Champions League clash with Porto. Let’s see how Mourinho has set up his men.
Chelsea FC visit Porto on Matchday 2 of the 2015/16 Champions League. The teams have now been confirmed and here they are.
Chelsea FC Team
Asmir Begovic;
Branislav Ivanovic (C), Kurt Zouma, Gary Cahill, Cesar Azpilicueta;
John Obi Mikel, Cesc Fabregas;
Ramires, Willian, Pedro;
Diego Costa
Bench: Blackman, Baba Rahman, Terry, Matic, Loftus-Cheek, Hazard, Kenedy
Porto Team
Iker Casillas;
Maxi Pereira, Maicon (C), Ivan Marcano, Bruno Martins Indi;
Danilo Pereira, Ruben Neves, Giannelli Imbula;
Yacine Brahimi, Vincent Aboubakar, André André
Bench: Helton, Layun, Evandro, Corona, Tello, Bueno, Osvaldo
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Eden Hazard has been dropped. What a statement from Jose Mourinho as the face of the club starts this crucial Champions League tie on the bench. The Belgian has been poor thus far this season and despite showing signs of life in the last week and a bit, he put in a lacklustre performance against Newcastle United at the weekend. Evidently, this is what has pushed the boss over the edge and he has decided to make him sit this one out.
This could be a tactical decision, but no-one apart from Mourinho will believe that. Ramires comes in for Hazard after impressing as a substitute in the last few games. Hopefully the Brazilian will be able to inject the side with the intensity that has been so far lacking.
The back four, meanwhile, remains unchanged from the weekend’s 2-2 draw as Branislav Ivanovic continues to defy common sense and keep his place. There is little explanation for this bar some sort of blind affection that the boss has for the Serbian full-back. Baba Rahman just hasn’t earnt Mourinho’s trust yet, apparently.
John Terry was also touted to step in for the midweek game but Zouma and Cahill have been given another opportunity to build on their partnership.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek, undoubtedly to the dismay of many, does not get a start either as Fabregas retains his spot. The youngster has showcased his potential in recent cup games and it was hoped that he would be given a shot against quality opposition. Matic, though, is unsurprisingly dropped for Mikel.
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With regard to Porto, they will set-up in a 4-3-3 formation with Vincent Aboubakar the player to watch. The forward has scored four league goals this season and will be hungry for more in front of the home fans.
Casillas also provides an interesting subplot after he fell out with Mourinho at Real Madrid. The Spanish goalkeeper will be desperate to prove to the Blues boss that he still has what it takes at this level.
Apart from that, Hector Herrera has been left out while former Southampton bad-boy Dani Osvaldo is on the bench. Look out Andre Andre too. Just because he’s been named twice.
What do you think of the teams? Let us know in the comments below!
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