Chelsea have to put their Champions League disappointment behind them and focus their energies on the Premier League race as they welcome Southampton at Stamford Bridge on Sunday. Jose Mourinho insisted that ‘everyone wants to play’ hinting that there would be no knee-jerk reaction to their Champions League exit at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain.
Chelsea have a fully fit squad to choose from, barring the exception of John Obi Mikel, who is out with a knee injury. Nemanja Matic should be back in domestic action after serving a two match ban.
The Blues are 5 points clear of Manchester City with two games in hand, and will look to pick up maximum points against a Southampton side falling off the pace in recent weeks.
Let’s take a look at the Chelsea side expected to take the field against the Saints at Stamford Bridge.
Goalkeeper – Thibaut Courtois
Thibaut Courtois has well and truly cemented himself in Chelsea’s first team with his commanding performances in goal.
Defence – Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry, Azpilicueta.
Chelsea’s backline have been rock solid in the Premier League this season having leaked only 22 goals so far. There’s no reason to scratch heads after a poor result in Europe. The Blues’ back four are tough to crack and there should be no reason to change.
Midfield – Matic, Fabregas, Cuadrado, Oscar, Hazard.
Nemanja Matic is a vital player for Chelsea in his holding role, combining physicality with his technical ability and ability to find a forward pass. Cesc Fabregas has the vision to find every pass in the footballing manual and should slot in alongside Matic.
Juan Cuadrado’s pace down the right flank can give Chelsea a different dimension going forward and with Oscar and Hazard’s pace and intelligence, Chelsea pose a real threat going forward.
Striker
One thing is certain with Diego Costa. He’ll put himself about and ruffle a few feathers, just the kind of quality Mourinho likes in a striker.