The league leaders would be hosting relegation threatened Burnley on Saturday. While Chelsea enter as clear favourites, Mourinho would be wary of his counterpart Sean Dyche, who is known as the Ginger-Mourinho! Chelsea have kept a healthy 7 point lead at the top of the table, and a win would do no harm for the Blues who have recently been in a tough Champions League tie with Paris Saint Germain. Clearly, there will be some changes in the lineup and we can expect a strong one to be fielded in the weekend. Here is the predicted line-up for Chelsea.
Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois
He was exceptional against Paris Saint-Germain, and was decisive in Chelsea’s draw. He redeemed himself after a couple of average performances. He would be raring to go once again as he has clearly cemented his place in the line-up.
Right Back: Branislav Ivanovic
He has made it a habit to get crucial goals this season, and has been a regular at the right back spot. His power, aggression and work rate has been key to Chelsea especially while getting forward. He scored against Burnley the last time, he would want to do so once more.
Center Back: Kurt Zouma
Gary Cahill has been in indifferent form since the new year, as he has committed errors and has failed to provide the stability at the back. It has opened the door for young Kurt Zouma to fight for a spot and he has not disappointed so far. Against a young and energetic Danny Ings, Zouma would be ideal.
Center Back: John Terry
It has been an interesting season for the Chelsea skipper. He has proved himself to be a able to continue playing at a world class level even at this stage. His sole weakness remains his lack of pace, meaning he is crippled against out and out speedsters. His partnership with Zouma has been extremely stable as the young Frenchman tackles the problem of speed in defence.
Left Back: Cesar Azpilicueta
Azpilicueta has been the mainstay at left-back and would be expected to start because apparently Filipe Luis has not been fully fit since the Capital Cup game against Liverpool. The Brazilian would vouch for the spot when he gets back to match fitness, which would be pretty soon but it is expected that Mourinho will stick to Azpilicueta.
Central Defensive Midfield: Nemanja Matic
He has been a regular and an important part of the Chelsea midfield with his tackling, intercepting as well as great ball skills. He is an irreplaceable member in the Chelsea side, and a definite starter in the double pivot.
Central Midfield: Cesc Fabregas
It was expected that the Spanish playmaker would be rested against PSG because of an illness, but he was back and played pretty well. He would be back and running against Burnley in the Premier League marking a full return to fitness and also, form.
Central Attacking Midfield: Oscar
Oscar has not played as many minutes recently due to injury concerns, and made a substitute appearance against PSG. It is likely that Mourinho will start him in arguably, Chelsea’s strongest line-up against Burnley.
Right Midfield: Willian
Willian is likely to remain the first choice at Right Back, with Cuadrado being the one lifting the pressure off him in the closing stages. His energy and power down the flank has started to yield better numbers off late and Mourinho would want the Brazilian to keep the form going.
Left Midfield: Eden Hazard
He was tortured throughout the game at PSG with a record breaking 9 fouls on him, which stopped him from expressing himself. He is in great form nonetheless and would be expected to provide the fireworks against Burnley.
Striker: Diego Costa
Costa made his return after a 3 game ban and would like to kick start from the Burnley game, getting his Premier League goalscoring going once again. He has scored 17 times this season, only in the Premier League.