Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho allowed his team to have four days off after they wrapped up the title last weekend in the 1-0 win over Crystal Palace, and with nothing now left to play for the Portuguese manager could give some playing time to players who have not featured as much as they would have liked.
So with this in mind we think the Blues boss will make a few changes to his team and with Diego Costa still not fully fit we expect to see Loic Remy getting the start with a possible cameo appearance from Didier Drogba. Definitely missing is Brazilian midfielder Oscar, who will now also miss the Copa America.
Goalkeeper
There is no reason to play Belgium international Thibaut Courtois when you have a back-up with the quality of Petr Cech available, and with it looking as though it is the last season the 32-year-old will be with Chelsea, Mourinho might as well stick him in the shop window and see if he can attract some bids.
Defence
Branislav Ivanovic is just an automatic pick not only for his quality defending but his attacking ability as well, so he will start out on the right. On the left we also expect to see Cesar Azpilicueta as Filipe Luis prepares to leave the club during the summer most likely to return to Atletico Madrid as part of a deal that could involve as many as three players joining Chelsea. John Terry will of course be called upon to provide the leadership, while young Frenchman Kurt Zouma gets a run out in place of Gary Cahill.
Midfield
Nemanja Matic is arguably the best defensive midfielder in England, while Cesc Fabregas has crowned his successful return to the Premiership by winning the title. Willian should also start as he is like a human dynamo all over the pitch popping up when least expected, and with Oscar injured Mourinho can afford to give Colombian new signing Juan Cuadrado some playing time hoping he can impress as so far he is looking like a prime candidate to be sent out on loan next season. Eden Hazard is a no-brainer in everyone’s team so we do not see Mourinho leaving him out even though the match means nothing for Chelsea.
Attack
Diego Costa could play, but we expect him to either miss the game or start from the bench with Loic Remy getting the nod. Expect to see Drogba come on late in the match for a cameo appearance as he runs down his final days as a Chelsea player.
