5 Changes Mourinho Is Likely To Make For QPR – Costa To Start

Chelsea return to action in the Premier League after an uninspiring 2-1 win over League 2 side Shrewsbury Town at the New Meadow Stadium. Chelsea will face Queens Park Rangers 15:00GMT on Saturday in what will be its first league match at home after the October international break. Chelsea has played two consecutive away league matches against Crystal Palace and Manchester United at Old Trafford.

Chelsea will look to extend their lead at the top of the league table after a last gasp strike from Van Persie saw them leave Old Trafford with a single point. Mourinho will be expected to field a relatively strong side for this London derby hence, we look at Five Likely Changes the manager could make to the side that played a part in the 2-1 over Shrewsbury town.

Courtois for Cech

The Czech no.1 was chosen to man the sticks in yet another cup game after making his initial starts in the Capital One Cup win over Bolton and the Champions League game against Maribor. Meanwhile, Courtois have started all Premier League games this season and is expected to be given the nod again by Jose Mourinho especially coming at the back of his impressive performance against Manchester United on Sunday.

The Belgian has become Jose Mourinho’s preferred choice between the stick ever since his loan return from Atletico Madrid leaving Petr Cech to play as second fiddle. Courtois will likely make a return to the starting line-up for this game.

Terry for Zouma

The soon to be 34-year-old was on the bench for the entire duration of the Shrewsbury game leaving Kurt Zouma to partner Gary Cahill at the heart of Chelsea defence.

Terry has been phenomenal this season despite his age and many have hailed his partnership with fellow English man Gary Cahill as the best in the Premier League. As captain, he should be leading his side out of the Stamford Bridge dugout after sitting out the previous match.

Ivanovic for Christensen

Andreas Christensen made his full senior debut for Chelsea playing as right back in the absence of Branislav Ivanovic.

The Serbian was serving a one match suspension after been sent out with a second yellow for a weak tackle on Manchester United’s Angel Di Maria in the game at Old Trafford. The Serbian after serving his one match suspension will look to return back to action at right back especially with the absence of Ceasar Azpilicueta who will be serving the last of his three matches.

Cesc Fabregas for Nathan Ake

Jose Mourinho really proved he is willing to use the youngsters after partnering Ake with Mikel in the central midfield area. Ake has come good in the few matches he has played but his performance would only be able to fetch him at most a place in the bench as Fabregas is due to return to the line-up after being left out in the previous game.

The Spaniard performance this season has been incredible and he has developed a near perfect understanding with Nemanja Matic in central midfield. Mourinho will need his commanding influence in midfield facing QPR come Saturday.

Costa for Drogba

This match could witness the much anticipated come-back for Diego Costa. The striker has been out due to injury since his return from international duties in early October.

Didier Drogba has ably stood in for Costa scoring three goals in three games. Mourinho will prefer going with Costa who has been in fine scoring form that has seen him net nine times in seven appearances for the club.

Drogba will likely drop to the bench and may come on at one point or the other in the game. Costa, who has had hamstring trouble since his early days at the club has been declared fit to play so, should be in contention for the striker spot.