It’s never a smart move trying to second-guess Jose Mourinho when it comes to selection policy. However, it seems from his reaction to Liverpool’s surprising line-up last night that the Chelsea boss is going to start his best team this evening against Maribor.
"If Liverpool decide to rest players against the European champions it's a question for the Liverpool manager, not for me.
"Normally, against the most difficult opponents, I'll go with my best team." Mourinho said.
There has been speculation this week that Diego Costa would be rested for tonight’s match in Slovenia due to his recent return from an enduring hamstring problem but Mourinho is one striker down as Loic Remy is out with a groin injury. John Obi Mikel has also not travelled as a result of a knee problem.
In the previous clash between these sides, Chelsea were in free-scoring form, hammering the Slovenian champions 6-0 at Stamford Bridge. That, however, was a small fluke, according to Mourinho.
"The 6-0 win is a fake situation. Normally Chelsea to score goals needs a lot of chances
"I need to convince the players that the game at StamfordBridge was one of these matches where everything goes in our direction” stated the Blues’ tactician.
The two-time Champions League-winning manager will be boosted by the return of Cesar Azpilicueta to his ranks and may bleed him back into the side after a three-match domestic ban.
Maribor, meanwhile, will be without defender Alex Mejac as the Slovenia international is struggling with a hamstring strain. Coach Ante Simundza has no other concerns to contend with, with Brazilian striker Marcos Tavares set to retain the captain's armband.
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