My Best Possible starting line-up vs Galatasaray

The Champions league last 16 round match up between Didier Drogba’s Galatasaray and Chelsea in Istanbul has arrived and we are hours away from witnessing the anticipated showdown between the two sides. Jose Mourinho’s team will look to get a crucial advantage from the away ground that isn’t easy for any opposition no matter the status of the visiting team.

Meanwhile, the Turks will look to capitalize on their home advantage in front of thousands of screaming Galatasaray supporters who would want to advance into the Quarter finals like a year ago before elimination at the hands of Mourinho’s previous side, Real Madrid. But, now let’s look at the possible formation and best starting 11 (by putting into consideration Matic and Salah are cup-tied for the tournament).

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Jose Mourinho has in recent past month found his ideal starting 11 and his ideal formation compared to the rotating and shuffling of the team in the first half of the season. The 4-2-3-1 will set to be the formation to be implemented against Galatasaray as well as Mourinho will look into countering the fearsome attacking front containing Didier Drogba and Wesley Snieder who both have played under the Portuguese.

Starting Line-up: 

GK: Petr Cech

Their cannot be a better option between the sticks than the goal keeper who is well adopted to this stages of the competition given his heroic saves and performances when we clinched the trophy in 2012.

Back four: Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry, Azpilicueta

Ashley Cole’s place at the left back have surely on a permanent basis been given to Azpilicueta as the first choice for Jose in his unnatural position. But, no fan or analyst can argue with the decision given the Spaniard’s hard work and great performances in big matches against tough oppositions.

In the back line, we will have the great combination of captain John Terry and Gary Cahill to stop the aerial prowess and the unmatched physical strength of Didier Drogba. Ivanovic will complete the back four on the right hand side as usual.

Pivot: David Luiz and Ramires

The two Brazilians have played in the pivot together in big games such as against Man Utd and Liverpool as well. But, Luiz’s availability is still in doubt as he has carried a knock even though he has traveled with the squad to Istanbul. Ramires played the 2nd 45 minutes against Everton on Saturday and would be deadly and fresh for this game in the battle against their CAM Wesley Snieder.

Attacking midfield: Oscar, Hazard, Willian

This trio have already been accustomed to starting many matches along side and they will be influential for us scoring in this away tie and carrying a huge advantage and momentum going into the 2nd leg at Stamford Bridge. Oscar’s starting may not be certain since Mourinho claimed fatigue as the issue of his early withdrawal against Everton in the 45th minute. Hazard and Willian though should surely start on the wings of the attacking line.

Striker: Samuel Eto’o

Much to the dismay of Fernando Torres, Samuel Eto’o’s run of starting games should continue in this important fixture since the Spaniard made no impact and no display of scoring touch in the games he have played since his return from injury. The Cameroonian meanwhile has been influential by delivering big time goals and hat tricks in to winning us matches. Unless we sign a new top striker in January, this position is the weak point of the squad clearly as when Jose said in recent interview that he has ‘no striker’ on the team. A metaphorical way of blaming his strikers for not being deadly in front of goal. At least the better of our three strikers will start the game and it’s our home they prove Jose wrong at least for once in the biggest stage possible.

Thanks for reading and please let us know your opinion on this!