Predicted Chelsea Line-up To Face Brighton In The Premier League
The Blues host Brighton and Hove Albion on Boxing day in the hope of getting back to winning ways after a dominant yet disappointing draw against Everton and a loss to West Ham a couple of games before that. They really need to replicate some sort of a run they enjoyed last season if they are to come anywhere close to the title. A game such as this needs to be put away with some style and ease.
Their previous league game against Brighton was in 1989, in the second division. This will be the teams’ first encounter in the top flight and the Seagulls will be Chelsea’s 60th different opponent. The opponents aren’t meant to be taken for granted though, as they have been creating clear-cut chances in front of goal, having picked up important points over the course of the season.
Team News
Alvaro Morata is all set to return up front after being suspended for putting the ball inside his shirt to pay tribute for his pregnant wife. Charly Musonda will not be in the matchday squad due to a groin strain. There has barely been any significant update on the injury of David Luiz and he could be out for yet another game.
Conte will make a few changes as the fixtures are approaching quicker and quicker and some rotation is certainly needed.
Probable Chelsea XI
Defence
Thibaut Courtois will look to end the year on a high and keep another clean sheet, against Brighton on Tuesday.
Andreas Christensen has been Conte’s go-to player for the most part of the season and surprisingly so. He is solid, mature and has a sound defensive technique.
Antonio Rudiger and Cesar Azpilicueta should start as a part of the back three. They haven’t really been kept busy for all 90 minutes in recent games but have come up with comprehensive answers whenever required. Rudiger’s early long balls and Azpilicueta’s dangerous crosses into the box will also come in handy.
Victor Moses should get another game at right wingback. He has been making fine forward runs, has looked positive and has been defensively neat.
Marcos Alonso, who often takes the most number of shots in a game and strikes them sweetly, will be seen hugging the left wing, providing some width.
Midfield
Cesc Fabregas has been out of the starting line up but is very influential and dominating whenever he comes off the bench. He might get a start here considering the fact that there is more for Chelsea to play apart from just moving the ball around in midfield.
The ever so consistent N’Golo Kante will play alongside him.
Attack
Willian and Hazard could play on the wings. They have been weaving past defences with ease in recent weeks and are so fluent and pleasing to the eye. Eden Hazard can do no wrong at the moment but needs to start contributing with goals again.
Morata will be a central figure, someone for the midfielders to aim at while feeding the ball or trying to split the opposition defence. The Chelsea top scorer this season needs to get to double figures and continue his dream start to his life in England.