While Jose Mourinho will not be thrilled at the way Chelsea have been playing in recent weeks, the Portuguese manager sure isn’t complaining. Chelsea are 10 points clear of Arsenal at the zenith of the Premier League and a win at the Emirates on Saturday will all but ensure the Premier League title returns to West London after five years.
Chelsea have been picking up results despite their lack luster displays, evident from their 1-0 victory over Manchester United last weekend when an Eden Hazard strike proved to be the clincher, despite all of United’s attacking pursuits. Jose Mourinho has an excellent track record against the man he called a ‘specialist in failure,’ and seems to thrive on those big match occasions when he sends his rock solid Chelsea outfit away from home against their top 4 rivals.
Goalkeeper – Thibaut Courtois
Breakthrough season for the Belgian as he has managed to firmly establish himself in goal for Chelsea.
Defence – Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry, Azpilicueta.
Why tinker with a tried and tested formula that has paid dividends so far this season? Chelsea’s defensive record has been nothing short of impressive, and with the Arsenal forwards smashing goals left, right and centre at the moment, Jose may just have to shut the door at the Emirates, much like he did with United last week.
Midfield – Zouma, Matic, Oscar, Fabregas, Hazard.
Kurt Zouma was engaged in a battle of sorts with Marouane Fellaini last weekend, and did more than enough to stop the lanky Belgian. Nemanja Matic has been the engine and driving force in this team, and he’ll be called upon to close the spaces in midfield and stop the Arsenal attackers from running riot on Saturday.
Oscar was played in an unfamiliar right wing role against United, but the silky movement between the likes of Oscar, Fabregas and Hazard makes them a menace for defenders.
The man to watch out for is the in-form Eden Hazard, who is said to have attracted interest from Real Madrid of all clubs.
Striker – Didier Drogba
Has lost a yard or two of pace, but more than makes up for it with his effort. Drogba has found goals hard to come by this season, but has been a selfless worker for the side in Diego Costa’s absence.
