With Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho hinting that he may be forced to play a reserve team against Liverpool on Sunday, this is the starting XI we feel the Portuguese could go with at Anfield ….
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GK: Mark Schwarzer
The 41-year-old Aussie came off the bench at the Calderon to replace the injured Petr Cech, and will definitely start in goal on Merseyside this weekend.
RB: Branislav Ivanovic
The Serbia international did not feature against Atletico Madrid in the first leg of the Blues’ Uefa Champions League semi-final on Tuesday due to suspension, which means he will be fresh to return to the starting lineup against the Reds.
CB: David Luiz
With the Brazil international flexible enough to feature in a number of different roles, do not be surprised at all to see Mourinho ask his shaggy-haired player to revert to a more familiar role as a centre back against Liverpool.
CB: John Obi Mikel
However, Mou may look to opt to protect his one and only fit central defender, Gary Cahill, by moving the Nigerian back into the heart of his back four as he did in the closing stages against Atleti after skipper John Terry was forced off through injury, especially as the water carrier is now suspended for the second-leg clash at Stamford Bridge next Wednesday night in any case.
LB: Ashley Cole
The experienced England left back was recalled to the team for the trip to the Spanish capital and expect the 33-year-old to retain his place against the Merseysiders this weekend having barely featured at all for the club in this campaign.