Publicly, Jose Mourinho may not expect Chelsea’s star striker, Diego Costa, to be fit for the season opener against Swansea (Kick Off 17:30 Local time, Saturday 8th August).
But until we see the team sheet we can never be sure with Jose around.
Let’s assume that he doesn’t make the starting XI. Loic Remy was quiet in his 45 minutes on the park at Wembley.
Radamel Falcao wasn’t much better. But, with Costa unfit, now is the perfect time to attempt to pump the Colombian full of confidence with a much needed start for Chelsea.
Apart from that the team is looking very much like the one which finished last season.
Costa is the only real doubt so Chelsea’s main selection issue is whether to start with Ramires next to Matic and Fabregas in the hole, or to give Oscar a start.
We think it’s a big season for Oscar and, considering the opposition, we feel that Chelsea can go with Fabregas next to Matic, with Oscar in the hole.
So here is our strongest XI for the season opener.
Chelsea fans: let’s have your elevens.
