Falcao Starts, Costa Out: Predicted Chelsea Starting XI To Face Arsenal

Premier League champions Chelsea take on FA Cup holders Arsenal in the Community Shield at Wembley on Sunday afternoon. Here is the side I think Jose Mourinho will select:

Goalkeeper: With Petr Cech expected to be lining-up for Arsenal following his summer move, Thibaut Courtois is almost certain to start in-between the sticks for Chelsea with summer signing Asmir Begovic among the substitutes.

Defence: Mourinho confirmed at his pre-match press conference earlier today that Gary Cahill is fit to start, although he may have to wear a protective face mask after suffering a suspected broken nose against Barcelona on Tuesday night.

Cahill will line-up alongside skipper John Terry while the familiar back four will most likely be made up of Branislav Ivanovic and Cesar Azpilicueta.

Midfield: There isn’t likely to be many surprises in midfield either with Nemanja Matic set to start along with Cesc Fabregas in the middle of the park. John Obi Mikel is clearly out of favour but Mourinho could give a few of his youngsters a run-out in the second half.

Attack: The Portuguese coach also confirmed today that Diego Costa is available despite being forced off with a slight hamstring injury in midweek but I’d personally be surprised if Mourinho risked the Spaniard from the start so Radamel Falcao could start up front.

There is likely to be a familiar look to the Chelsea attacking three with Eden Hazard, Oscar and Willian expected to start. Juan Cuadrado could be on his way out while the likes of Ramires and Loic Remy will probably be among the substitutes.

Here is how I think we’ll see Chelsea line-up against Arsenal:

Check out our predicted Arsenal line-up here

What do you think? What line-up would you like to see start?