The job’s not done yet
Relentless Chelsea moved to within touching distance of claiming their first Premier League title in five years with victory at Leicester City earlier in the week.
The Blues recovered from falling behind at the Kingpower Stadium and roared back with a second-half blitz that saw Didier Drogba, John Terry and Ramires all strike.
Chelsea will be crowned as champions this Sunday if they can beat Alan Pardew’s Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge.
However, Jose Mourinho is again pointing to pure mathematics as he plots the capture of the club’s first title win in five years ahead of the Palace game.
He says: "We need two or three points to be champions.
"We need a victory, three points, if we can do at home that's better.
"If we can do it on Sunday then even better, that's what we have in our mind.
"We are calm."
Crystal Palace manager Alan Pardew is hopeful defender Joel Ward will overcome a shin injury and play at the Bridge this weekend.
Champagne on ice
So, Mourinho wants to get the title wrapped up on Sunday with victory over Palace.
Three points against the Eagles and it’s job done.
Despite that eagerness to get over the line, Jose claims he hasn’t even thought about a victory party in the event Chelsea are crowned champions this weekend.
"I think I go home," he said.
"In this moment we have nothing prepared.
“We have nothing organised, so normally I finish the game and I go home."
Costa KO for Blues?
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Diego Costa will miss Chelsea's match with Crystal Palace and could sit out the remainder of the campaign if the Blues win the Premier League title this weekend.
The table-toppers can seal the crown on Sunday with victory over the Eagles but will have to do it without the injured Spanish international striker.
Costa’s season has been plagued by hamstring problems and Mourinho has revealed he may not risk him again this term if the title is secured early.
Mourinho said: “There is a chance he might not [play again this season].
“If we win Sunday, I would say he doesn't play against Liverpool.
“It just it isn't worth the risk. In this process, in the last month, if we lose a game – and we don't want to lose a second – he will be back immediately.
“Immediately. Because the results in the last month were always victories and a draw against the team in second, we don't need to rush.”
Secretive team selection
Petr Cech won his first league title with the Blues a decade ago is set to claim what looks to be his last winner’s medal before leaving the club this summer.
Cech made what is a now rare appearance in goal for Mourinho's side at Leicester as Thibaut Courtois was rested due to a knock.
He is hopeful of starting again for the visit of Palace but now has a fit-again Courtois to fight for the gloves on Sunday.
Mourinho was asked today whether he knows who will play between the sticks against Palace.
"Yes," snapped back Mourinho, who was a little grumpy during his press conference considering he is about to win another trophy.
Jose was then pushed by reporters to name his goalkeeper to face Pardews side.
The Special One declined the offer and said: "They [the players] don't know yet."
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Premier League decline?
Mourinho doesn’t think people should criticise the rest of the Premier League for not mounting a serious challenge this season and instead congratulate his team.
Chelsea have sat top of the pile since the opening weekend as Manchester City’s meagre title defence faded badly.
City are level on points with Arsenal in the race to finish runners-up to the Blues, with Manchester United having another tough campaign without Sir Alex Ferguson.
"Only one team can win.
“We are top of the league since day one.
"It's not a record but in modern day football it's very difficult to do.
"Many people speak about failure [of Chelsea’s rivals] but I don't think we can speak about failure.
"All we can do is congratulate the winner and go again next season.
"This is a very competitive championship.
"It's not over yet. Everybody for sure works hard to try to reach their objectives."
