Chelsea's Likely Line Up For Palace Game – Drogba Starts Again

Chelsea host Crystal Palace this Sunday afternoon, as the Blues look to officially win the Premier League by grabbing all three points. After beating Leicester City 3-1 on Wednesday, Mourinho’s men could be fatigued. Expect a few changes in the lineup compared to the Leicester match, but the team will have the same dynamic.

In goal, I expect Petr Čech to get the nod again. After Thibaut Courtois suffered a hip injury against Arsenal, Čech got his rare start. If there is any risk in playing Courtois, then Mourinho will surely look to Čech. Čech is the best backup goalkeeper in the world, and if Chelsea can win the league on Sunday, it would be the perfect sending off for their storied goalkeeper as he pursues a challenge away from Stamford Bridge.

Mourinho will look to the same back four he has all season, with English duo John Terry and Gary Cahill manning the middle, and Branislav Ivanović and César Azpilicueta on the flanks. These four have proven their quality all season, and Mourinho shouldn’t look to change it for Sunday. Terry and Cahill will not make defensive mistakes, Ivanović will be pushing forward wreaking havoc on the offensive wing, with Azpilicueta staying put and dominating anyone who enters his zone.  With this defense, and Petr Čech in goal, expect a clean sheet for Mourinho and his men.

The midfield will consist of Nemanja Matić and Cesc Fàbregas in the holding midfielder roles, stationed right above the back four. With Oscar returning to his familiar no. 10 role, and Eden Hazard on the left wing, and Willian on the right. This has been Mourinho’s first choice in the midfield this season, and after experimenting with some different lineups against Arsenal and Leicester City, expect him to return to his favorite lineup.

Starting up top for the Blues will be Didier Drogba. With questions still surrounding the fitness of Diego Costa and Loïc Rémy, do not expect Mourinho to risk either one. Drogba scored against Leicester City on Wednesday and he will look to carry that form over to Stamford Bridge this Sunday.

Nothing special in this lineup, as Mourinho will look for a strong victory to lock up the Premier League title for the first time since 2010.