Two confidence-boosting victories in four days have set up Chelsea nicely for the weekend’s trip to Old Trafford.
The 6-0 thrashing of Slovenian side Maribor at the Bridge on Tuesday night, cheered on by hundreds of youngsters on half-term, should make qualification for the Champions League knock-out stage straightforward.
But the 2-1 win at Selhurst Park last weekend was no less significant, avenging last season’s 1-0 defeat and allowing fans to maintain their “top of the league” chants. It also marked a milestone for John Terry; 500 appearances as Blues captain.
Talking of chants, midfield maestro Nemanja Matic now has one. To the tune of the Madness hit Our House, it goes “Matic, in the middle of our pitch…”
On a chilly Tuesday (sponsors Gazprom could have turned the heating up), the Blues proved that even without striker Diego Costa, goals keep coming.
Maribor play in purple – a kind of central European footballing UKIP.
But they wore yellow as Loic Remy scored before being subbed after pulling a muscle, Didier Drogba converted a penalty, JT raced the length of the field to add another, and Eden Hazard netted twice, one from the spot.
An own goal made up the half dozen; the Blues’ biggest Champions League win.
If Remy misses the Manchester United match on Sunday, it leaves Drogba as the only fully fit forward… unless Costa recovers from his hamstring niggle.
Failing that, Jose Mourinho could put faith in Dom Solanke, aged 17 years one month, who came on as a late sub to get a bit of European experience.
With so many Chelsea players currently at the top of their game, he would have midfield back-up, although Mo Salah might be a more realistic emergency forward if push comes to shove.
Mourinho used Petr Cech in goal on Tuesday. If the keeper is tempted to leave Chelsea for a rival in January to get more regular football, he’d be cup-tied in Europe.
Jose doesn’t miss a trick.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here