Predicted Chelsea Starting XI To Play Schalke

Chelsea left for Germany this afternoon ahead of their crucial Champions League group game against Schalke.

The Blues head into the game sitting third in Group E having won one and lost one so far and Jose Mourinho knows this is going to be a key game in their quest for qualification to the knockout stages.

The Portuguese coach gave his team news earlier today and the good news is that attacker Andre Schurrle has made the trip after recovering from a muscle injury he picked up while away with Germany last week.

The former Bayer Leverkusen forward is expected to be recalled with the 22-year-old knowing tomorrow’s opposition well from his time in the Bundesliga. Brazilian winger Willian is likely to make way after a disappointing showing against Cardiff at the weekend while Juan Mata may also find himself back on the bench having been withdraw after just 59 minutes on Saturday.

His replacement Oscar got himself on the score-sheet with a lovely long-range effort so he’s likely to be recalled to the starting eleven on Tuesday. Samuel Eto’o could retain his place after scoring his first Premier League goal so Fernando Torres may have to make do with a place among the subs once again.

David Luiz could see himself relegated to the bench after a shocking mistake against Cardiff with Gary Cahill selected alongside John Terry at the back. Ashley Cole hasn’t travelled due to a rib injury so Ryan Bertrand will continue at left-back.

Here’s the team Mourinho may go with:

What do you think of the team? What would be your line-up? Share your suggestions below.