The Premier League is back this weekend, following the humdrum international break, and, with just two months to go, the race for the title, and to avoid relegation, gets serious – with teams unable to afford a slip up.
Title leaders Chelsea, with a game in hand, sit six points clear of Manchester City and look to extend the gap as they take on Mark Hughes’ Stoke City on Saturday – where three points is expected from Mourinho’s men.
Here’s who we think the Portuguese will name in his starting XI, with the Blues boss expected to remain loyal to the side that’s fired the team to the top of the table…
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GK – Thibaut Courtois
The Belgian made his first terrible error in the narrow 3-2 victory over Hull City before the international break, but the stopper has been Mourinho’s first name on his Premier League team-sheet this season, and isn’t expected to face the axe after the mistake.
RB – Branislav Ivanovic
A regular in all competitions for the Blues – and we wouldn’t put it past the Serb to pop up with an important goal as the season draws closer to the end.
RCB – Gary Cahill
The only real head-scratcher Mourinho has faced in his selection over the campaign has been between Cahill and Kurt Zouma – however, the England international’s performances have improved significantly since his return to the XI.
LCB – John Terry
The Chelsea captain signed a new deal last week that’ll see him extend his career at Stamford Bridge for another season, and having already led his team to Capital One Cup glory, the 34-year-old will be desperate to add to the Blues’ cabinet by lifting the Premier League trophy.
LB – Cesar Azpilicueta
A favourite of Mourinho, who has been one of the Blues’ most consistent performers, as he continues to keep fellow left-back Filipe Luis on the periphery of the first-team.