GK: Petr Cech vs. Thibault Courtois
Mourinho’s decision to replace an established goalkeeper with a much younger star has precedent. Back in the 04-05 season, he ditched the record-breaking Carlo Cudicini and replaced him with Petr Cech.
While the young Belgian would surely love to have the career that Cech has enjoyed over the subsequent, he has already featured in a Champions League final, won the Liga BBVA crown and represented Belgium at the World Cup.
However, in that 04-05 title-winning campaign—Cech’s first in England—he broke Cudicini’s record for most clean sheets in a Premier League season…even Courtois can’t compete with that!
Winner: Petr Cech
DR: Paulo Ferreira vs. Branislav Ivanovic
Paulo Ferreira was a great servant for Chelsea for many years, and was a versatile option across the backline, but he was also often seen as the Pensioners’ weak link.
Ivanovic, on the other hand, has demonstrated his ability to win games for Chelsea and constantly gives his all for the club.
He too is versatile, and can perform excellently as either a right-back or in the centre.
Winner: Branislav Ivanovic