UEFA Champions League: Jose Mourinho to drop big names against Schalke?

Chelsea’s performance against Newcastle at the weekend was not acceptable, and if rumours are to be believed, some big names will be dropped for Schalke as a result!

According to the Press this morning, Branislav Ivanovic, Ashley Cole, Frank Lampard and David Luiz, Juan Mata are all set to be dropped as Jose Mourinho rings the changes with Cesar Azpilicueta, Ryan Bertrand, Mikel, Andre Schurrle and Gary Cahill all coming back into the side to face the Germans tomorrow.

In addition to the above, it seems that Fernando Torres has picked up an injury in training and was sent home early from Cobham to rest yesterday. He is due back today to be assessed by the medical staff but remains a major doubt for the game so Samuel Eto’o looks more than likely to start.

The more I think about it, the defeat to Newcastle although frustrating at the time, could be a kick up the arse that we needed. After a fantastic run in October, the game last Saturday is a harsh reminder that you cannot afford to take anything for granted in the Premier League, and you have to earn your three points.

Anyone can beat anyone on their day and we all sat and watched exactly that at St James’ Park!

I am not so sure that Mourinho will make as many changes as is being rumoured, but I think two or three will happen with the most likely being Cahill for Luiz and Mikel for Lampard.

What do you people think? How many players would you rotate from Saturday bearing in mind this is a must win game tomorrow and three points would put us well in control of our group!

Carefree & KTBFFH!