Here is the team for Chelsea against Sporting Lisbon this evening.
Chelsea: Cech (c); Azpilicueta, Zouma, Cahill, Filipe Luis; Mikel, Matic; Schurrle, Fabregas, Salah; Diego Costa
Subs: Beeney, Ivanovic, Ramires, Loftus-Cheek, Oscar, Remy, Drogba
Jose Mourinho has been presented with the luxury of knowing that his side are in the last 16 of the Champions League, which means he can make changes to his line-up, protecting key players for a busy Christmas and New Year period in the Premier League.
Chelsea took their time to get going in the Champions League this season but found their form with a thumping win against FC Schalke, which allowed them to take control of the group.
Mourinho will be hoping that the youngsters he selects for this game are able to step up and give him some positive selection problems, as they look to break into a very competitive and high quality first team.
Mourinho won’t want any slip ups despite resting players and it’s important Chelsea carry some momentum forward into the first knock out round of the competition.
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