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.
RCM – Ramires
The Brazilian’s energy at the business end of the season will be crucial, and with the performances of Oscar under question this season, the midfielder is expected to be preferred ahead of his compatriot.
LCM – Nemanja Matic
An unsung hero in the Chelsea midfield – and one of the few traditional holding midfielders in the modern game – the Serb has been key to Chelsea’s title charge.
RW – Willian
While delivering very little in terms of goals and assists this season (two and four) – his work-rate has been exceptional, and the Brazilian provides the perfect balance to the side with Eden Hazard on the opposite flank.
AM – Cesc Fabregas
The Spaniard’s form has dipped since the turn of the year, as he hasn’t picked up an assist since the 5-0 thrashing over Swansea on 17 January. However, there’s no doubt that Fabregas has the quality to challenge Arsenal legend Thierry Henry’s record of 20 assists in one PL season, which really would rub salt in the wounds of Gunners fans.
LW – Eden Hazard
One of the best dribblers of the ball in Europe, who has been Chelsea’s star player this season – and, incredibly, seems to improve with each game.
ST – Diego Costa
The forward’s physicality will be crucial against a bullish side such as the Potters, and with Tottenham Hotspur’s Harry Kane having drawn level as the Premier League’s top scorer, Costa should be even more fired up to deliver the goods in front of goal.
