Mourinho Makes 3 Changes: Predicted Chelsea Starting XI To Face Stoke

Chelsea will look to tighten their grip at the top of the Premier League table when they face Stoke City at Stamford Bridge on Saturday evening. Here is the side I think Jose Mourinho will select:

Goalkeeper: Petr Cech picked up a knock while away with the Czech Republic but Mourinho was expected to stick with Thibaut Courtois in any case.

Defence: The Blues have no fresh injury worries in defence so Mourinho is likely to stick with his first choice back four. That will see Cesar Azpilicueta come in for Filipe Luis at left-back while Gary Cahill should partner John Terry in the middle of defence. Branislav Ivanovic has been one of the most consistent performers this season and there’s no reason to think he won’t continue at right-back.

Midfield: Nemanja Matic scored a sensational goal for Serbia during the international break and the midfielder will once again sit in the holding role for Chelsea this weekend. Cesc Fabregas is likely to play alongside him, although Mourinho could be tempted to go with Ramires to counter the physical presence of the Stoke team.

Attack: If Fabregas does play deeper then Oscar should start in attack along with the ever-reliable Willian, while Eden Hazard is expected to play despite admitting he’s starting to feel jaded after a long season. Diego Costa picked up a hamstring injury against Hull and is likely to miss out on Saturday, so Loic Remy could lead the attack after coming off the bench to score the winner last time out.

Here is how I think we’ll see Chelsea line-up:

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