Chelsea starting XI: Diego Costa or Didier Drogba? Our writers select the best team Jose Mourinho can put out

Injuries ignored - what's the best team the Blues can start with following their summer spending spree?

Staff
Friday 12 September 2014 12:29 BST
Comments
Jose Mourinho oversees a Chelsea training session earlier in the week
Jose Mourinho oversees a Chelsea training session earlier in the week (PA via Chelsea FC)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

The latest round of Premier League fixtures are the first since the close of the transfer window, meaning that while squads have swelled, managers must now narrow their focus to pick their best starting XIs.

Many new players are in line to make their debut this weekend - but who should come straight in and which players have done enough in the opening few games to warrant a run in the first team?

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has more options than ever at his disposal following another summer of investment at Stamford Bridge. Spanish duo Diego Costa and Cesc Fabregas have arrived, whilst Felipe Luis is eager for a place at the back and Didier Drogba is keen for a final flourish.

This weekend, Chelsea take on Swansea at Stamford Bridge in which Mourinho's vision for the team will perhaps become a little clearer.

In the meantime, we've asked The Independent's writers and editors to pick their Chelsea starting XI. Any current injury problems were ignored, meaning the teams below are the best possible starting XIs available to Mourinho according to our experts.

Glenn Moore - Football Editor

(4-1-4-1)

Courtois;

Azpilicueta, Cahill, Terry, Filipe Luis;

Matic;

Willian, Fabregas, Oscar, Hazard;

Costa

Cesc Fabregas
Cesc Fabregas (EPA)

Ian Herbert - Football correspondent

(4-2-3-1)

Courtois;

Azpilicueta, Cahill, Terry, Luis;

Matic, Fabregas;

Schurrle, Oscar, Hazard;

Costa

Thibault Courtois
Thibault Courtois (Getty Images)

Jack Pitt-Brooke - Football writer

(4-2-3-1)

Courtois;

Azpilicueta, Terry, Cahill, Filipe Luis;

Matic, Fabregas;

Schurrle, Oscar, Hazard;

Costa

Tom Sheen - Digital journalist

(4-2-3-1)

Courtois;

Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry, Luis;

Fabregas, Matic;

Willian, Hazard, Schurrle;

Costa

Eden Hazard
Eden Hazard (Mark Robinson/ MDR)

Matt Gatward - Sports Editor

(4-2-3-1)

Courtois;

Azpilicueta, Terry, Cahill, Luis;

Matic, Fabregas;

Hazard, Ramires, Schurrle;

Costa

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in