Chelsea's starting XI versus Hull Tigers?

Chelsea's starting XI versus Hull Tigers?

   As Mourinho edges ever closer to opening his second spell in charge of his ''beloved'' Chelsea, I try to crack who will be in the starting eleven against Hull.    

   We have all been wandering what Jose Mourinho's starting XI will be against Hull City. (or Hull Tigers should I say) I will now attempt to go through the starting eleven justifying my reasons why I believe each player will have the starting spot.

   Goalkeeper is granted to be Petr Cech. Unless an injury occurs between now and the Hull game, I can assure Petr Cech will start.Thinking about it, I am slightly worried as the whole world knows what happened with Iker Casillas and Diego Lopez. Both, previous goalkeeper's under Mourinho's management.Although, saying this, I still fully believe Petr Cech will be no1 with new signing Mark Schwarzer deputised as no2.

   In defence is where it can get a little bit tricky. I will start with Right Back. Assuming Dave (Cesar Azpilicueta) will be rested, as he was an unused substitute by Vicente Del Bosque in Spain's 2-0 win over Ecuador which was hosted by the La Tiri side. (Ecuador national football team) Due to the fact, Cesar Azpilicueta had to travel to Ecuador, I believe he will be rested against Hull Tigers which would mean Branislav Ivanovic will slot in at Right Back. In the heart of defence, from what I've seen so far, David Luiz will partner John Terry and Gary Cahill will be a substitute. I only draw to this conclusion because Jose Mourinho has spoken time and time again of his admiration of David Luiz, who is an important figure at Chelsea, amid interest and a failed bid by Barcelona. The bid was of ₤25 million pounds to anyone's interest. Jose Mourinho also seems to admire John Terry a greater deal to what Rafiel Benitez ever had. This is why I have chosen these two in my starting eleven against Hull Tigers. At leftback, I think this is the most safe position due to the fact, Ryan Bertrand is still learning tricks of the trade, Patrick Van Aanholt has been sent out on loan to Vitesse Arnhem and Ashley Cole is the best defensive left back in the world. 

   Chelsea's two centre-defensive midfield positions is a positive problem. The depth in the squad excels in the defensive midfield position. In this current day, Chelsea can deploy a number of talented players in this position yet only have two places. Frank Lampard, recently moved into this position from an attacking midfielder, still regarded as a strong figure at club and international level, even at the age of 35. Ramires, the little engine, is a superb box-to-box midfielder and personally, I believe one of the CDM roles is his to lose. Van Ginkel, at a very tender age of 20, purchased from Vitesse Arnhem this summer, is leaping strides in his development. However, nailing down a position in Chelsea's XI is a very very mountainous task. Michael Essien, recently back from Real Madrid, and bringing ''daddy'' with him, is somewhat seen in a comforting position for the Ghanaian. Re-energized and revitalized, Essien is possibly in line to start however, I would not be surprised if Frank Lampard, Chelsea's all-time top scorer starts before Essien.

   The front three. (Wingers and the CF) Hazard will undoubtedly start. I will be shocked if he doesn't. Jose is a big fan of Hazard and he repaid Mr Mourinho in pre-season. Mata as the Centre Forward? It has to be, surely. The player who has won Chelsea's player of the year, twice in a row and got into the team of the season alongside team-mate Eden Hazard, is almost guaranteed a starting spot? I would argue that ''the special one'' didn't like the look of Mata in pre-season. The last attacking role. De Bryune? Schurrle? Moses? Oscar? Take your pick. I think Moses or De Bryune are front runners for the last attacking spot.

   The striker. Again, so much depth in the squad, three players fighting for one position. Will Mourinho go with Lukaku, young, power, strength, speed? Perhaps, with a bit more experience in the Premier League with Torres? Or completely opt to play Demba Ba? I have a feeling Torres will start.

   In conclusion, my starting eleven against Hully Tigers:
Cech, Ivanovic, Luiz, Terry, Cole, Ramires, Lampard, Moses, Mata, Hazard, Torres.

Note: This is my personal view. I am unaware of who Mr Jose Mourinho will pick come the game on Sunday, 4pm (UK time) at Stamford Bridge against Hull Tigers.