Five striking alternatives for Chelsea to cover Diego Costa ban

If Chelsea want to put an unknown quantity up against opponents, then Brazilian teenager Kenedy is well worth considering. He followed up two sub appearances against Crystal Palace and Everton with a goal and assist on his full debut against Walsall.

The Blues hierarchy sanctioned bringing Kenedy over from Fluminense in his homeland at such a young age, so they must think highly of him, and Mourinho has already shown he’s willing to use the 19-year-old talent. A second Chelsea start at Newcastle would be very interesting, and Kenedy is a nifty 9/4 to net again anytime.

Costa’s Spain teammate Pedro is another, like usual winger Hazard, who is capable of deputising up top. His runs in-behind would offer a different dimension to the Blues’ forward play, as Pedro showed when coming off the bench at Walsall to round off the scoring and he is 6/1 to net last again.

The burden of delivering should not faze Pedro, who previously played for all-conquering Barcelona, winning multiple trophies as part of a talented attack alongside South American soccer stars Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez. His impact in west London could be akin to Alexis Sanchez’s across the capital at Arsenal, if freed up from defensive responsibilities by Mourinho.

French forward Remy has never really managed to establish himself at Chelsea, but still boasts a decent return of 10 goals in 31 outings for the club. Much like Falcao above, this could be the opening he is looking for.

Scoring against old club Newcastle would make major headlines, especially as the Toon Army were bitterly disappointed to see their side miss out on his permanent signature following an impressive loan with the Magpies under Alan Pardew in 2013/14. Remy is a 5/1 shot to score first at St James’ Park.