5 Chelsea players that have to take advantage of the league cup

With the embarrassment of riches currently in the Chelsea squad, some of last season's regulars have found themselves frequent warmers of the substitutes’ bench. 

All is not lost though, as Mourinho doesn't seem to have settled on any particular starting eleven. With such a big squad to pick from, the Portuguese tactician is sure to give some of his substitutes and reserves minutes in the less glamorous league cup. 

Let’s look at 5 players who should use the opportunity to force their way back into the first team.

Juan Mata

Many have been baffled by Mourinho’s decision to bench Chelsea's player of the season for the last couple of seasons. 

It was initially speculated that Mata’s omission from the first team was due to the fact that he wasn’t 100% fit, but Mourinho has come out and talked about how the Spaniard needs to change his game in order to be considered.

The league cup offers the perfect opportunity for the much-maligned playmaker to prove his worth to the gaffer.

Demba Ba

With Eto’o and Torres very much ahead of him in the pecking order, the Senegalese marksman wilt have to get used to the idea of playing mainly in the domestic cups.

As he has proved with West Ham and Newcastle, Demba Ba can be a very decent striker if given minutes. Having failed to move to Arsenal in the summer he now has to force himself into the manager's thoughts. 

Cesar Azpilicueta

A regular starter under fellow Spaniard Benitez, the former Marseille man has been completely ignored by Mourinho so far this season.

The fact that he is good enough to make the Spain squad means that he is a good right back. Stellar performances in the domestic cups might force Mourinho to sit down and take note. 

Marco Van Ginkel

Still raw and inexperienced at this level, the Dutchman should not only use the league cup to showcase his talents to the manager but also to gain experience.

Michael Essien

One of best defensive midfielders in the world during his heydays, the injury-ravaged Ghanaian is very much a bit-part player these days.

Though completely ignored so far this season, Essien still has a decent chance of making the first eleven as only Ramires seems to be a surefire starter in midfield.