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Victory will seal Chelsea their fifth English Premier League title on Sunday night as they host Crystal Palace. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 10:15pm (AEST).
You could excuse the Crystal Palace fan-base that make their way north for feeling they are mere wallflowers to the scene on Sunday.
With their team safely ensconced mid-table, without relegation to fight against, it is deeply unfamiliar and comfortable territory for the south London club. They await a bluewash on Sunday, where expectant Chelsea fans await title glory for the first time in five seasons.
Try as he may, it will be difficult for Jose Mourinho to limit the enthusiasm of the Stamford Bridge faithful, given the imposing position they find themselves in. Thirteen points is the gap between themselves and third-placed Arsenal, who mathematically are the only team that can deny the trophy heading to Stamford Bridge.
Yet even the Gunners’ say is limited on the basis Crystal Palace take something away from Sunday. At long odds, that remains highly unlikely.
Selecting a Chelsea team these days is easy work for Jose Mourinho. Without FA Cup or Champions League commitments, it has enabled a clear focus towards the Premier League title, allowing Mourinho to regularly select his best XI.
In such a dominant position, it has allowed Mourinho to not rush the return of either Diego Costa or Loic Remy, instead opting for the veteran Didier Drogba or a false nine in either Eden Hazard or Cesc Fabregas. Against Palace, Mourinho won’t look to stray too much, and may retain the same XI that won midweek against Leicester City.
For Alan Pardew and Crystal Palace, the focus remains on causing an upset that can propel their third straight Premier League campaign next season. New signings are required at Selhurst Park, and the opportunity to knock off the would-be champions is something both Palace and Arsenal fans will fervently hope for.
Having lost at home 2-0 to Hull last weekend, Pardew may opt for the services of Lee Chung-yong to partner captain Mile Jedinak in order to nullify the barrage of expected Chelsea offence. With Drogba likely to line up, Pardew may also look to a former Fulham captain in Brede Hangeland to partner Scott Dann in the centre of defence.
The Eagles’ hopes of an upset rest on the fine form of Yannick Bolasie, while Pardew also has the likes of Dwight Gayle, Jordan Mutch and Yaya Sanogo to look for a goal as well.
Talk as we might about Crystal Palace’s hopes, the reality is that they will be the wallflowers of Stamford Bridge, where Chelsea should finish off the title race this season. Jose Mourinho’s second coronation at Stamford Bridge awaits.
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