Newly crowned Premier League winners Chelsea will look to end a successful league campaign on a winning note when they take on Sunderland at Stamford Bridge on Sunday. The Blues lost 3-0 at the Hawthorns on Monday in a rare defensive blip from the strongest defence in England this term. Manager Jose Mourinho will have the luxury of picking some of his second string players in a match which holds little significance for the Blues.
The Blues have the strongest home record in the League this season, but it was against the Black Cats that Jose Mourinho lost his much coveted unbeaten home streak last season.
Sunderland secured their Premier League survival with a draw at the Emirates in the week and will be looking to end the campaign on a high after an incredible turnaround under manager Dick Advocaat.
Let’s take a look at the Chelsea which is likely to take the field at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
Goalkeeper – Thibaut Courtois
The Belgian has cemented himself as the Chelsea No.1 this season with a run of fine performances in goal, and with Petr Cech still not fit to play, Courtois looks set to continue in goal for the Champions.
Defence – Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry, Luis.
Kurt Zouma is out till the end of the season and the rock-solid centre back pairing of Gary Cahill and John Terry will take their places once again. Cesar Azpilicueta will continue to be rested as the underused Filipe Luis gets another opportunity at left back. Branislav Ivanovic is the obvious candidate to start on the right side of defence.
Midfield – Mikel, Matic, Willian, Cuadrado, Hazard.
With Oscar out for the season and Cesc Fabregas serving a ban for his stupid red card against West Brom at the Hawthorns, Juan Cuadrado looks set to get an opportunity to play in the No. 10 role.
John Obi Mikel and Nemanja Matic represent a solid defensive midfield pairing while the industrious Willian will take his place on the right side of an attacking midfield trio.
Eden Hazard was rested for the previous game, but could start this one on the left flank. The Belgian has been in scintillating form this season and would be itching to make an impact on the final day of the season.
Striker – Diego Costa
Diego Costa always wants to play and the former Atletico man has proven himself to be a goalscoring machine in his first season at the club, despite a couple of injury layoffs.