Chelsea’s dream finish to the season? Three points against Palace on Sunday to clinch the title, then a triumphant strut on to the Stamford Bridge turf past an honour guard of half-heartedly applauding Scousers the following weekend.

It’s been quite a week for the Blues, who could win the league with three games to spare.

A point at the Emirates and victory at Leicester on Wednesday night mean Jose Mourinho is on the brink of claiming another Premier League for Chelsea, without the need to claim points off Liverpool on May 10.

Meanwhile the next generation are not merely waiting in the wings, but banging on the door after the U18s defeated Manchester City in the FA Youth Cup final.

Chelsea’s midweek encounter with the struggling Foxes at the King Power began cautiously, but ended as a romp.

The 3-1 win, coming from behind, means the Blues have hit 80 points.

Chelsea looked out of sorts in the first half, and Marc Albrighton’s stoppage-time goal for Leicester was thoroughly deserved against a Blues side incapable of getting a single shot on target.

But someone must have slipped something in Didier Drogba’s half-time mug of Earl Grey, because the striker – anonymous in the first 45 minutes – began playing like the 26-year-old who pitched up at the Bridge in 2004.

Branislav Ivanovic dragged the ball back from the byeline and Drogs slotted home to level before a John Terry stab and a Ramires rocket made the game safe.

It was a surreal evening, weather-wise, as bright sunshine gave way to heavy hail within three minutes.

Chelsea’s travelling army (always noisier away from home) chanted “Boring, boring Chelsea” as the goals flew in, echoing Arsenal fans’ jibe at the Blues’ supposed negativity in north London last weekend.

Crystal Palace could delay the party by winning or drawing at the Bridge on Sunday. But that’s about as likely as a hailstorm in late spring, isn’t it?