Chelsea have one hand on the Premier League title now as they chase the solitary win they need to seal the first Premier League title in five years, and a first in Jose Mourinho’s second coming to the Bridge. An inspiring second half comeback at Leicester saw Chelsea ensure they can rubber stamp the proceedings of the Premier League on Sunday when they take on Alan Pardew’s Crystal Palace.
Loic Remy is all set to return for the Blues but Diego Costa is unlikely to be risked against the Eagles, with Chelsea comfortably placed and looking to wrap up the title on Sunday. Costa’s season has been punctuated by hamstring problems which have caused the Spaniard to miss recent games against Manchester United and Arsenal.
Jose Mourinho will want nothing more than to seal the title at the earliest, so the chopping and changing can wait for now. Let’s take a look at the Chelsea line up likely to take the field at Stamford Bridge in the afternoon kickoff on Sunday.
Goalkeeper – Thibaut Courtois
Courtois missed the midweek game against Leicester City due to illness but should to back in goal against Alan Pardew’s men.
Defence – Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry, Azpilicueta.
Chelsea have kept the maximum number of clean sheets in the league this season with 16. No surprise with the quality of defenders at their disposal, led by inspirational skipper John Terry.
Midfield – Matic, Fabregas, Willian, Oscar, Hazard.
Nemanja Matic will continue in his role of shielding the backline while the mercurial Cesc Fabregas could be back in a deeper role. Eden Hazard had a poor outing against Leicester City and the recently awarded PFA Player of the year will look to finish the season on a high.
Striker – Loic Remy
King Drogba was back among the goals in mid week, but three games in quick succession is asking a little too much from the Ivorian. Loic Remy could well return from injury to take his place in the starting lineup.