Predicted Chelsea Line-up To Face Southampton In The Premier League
Antonio Conte’s Chelsea were back to winning ways as they put three past Huddersfield Town this mid-week, to retain their 3rd place in the PL points table. They are three points away from Manchester United and will look to reduce the gap, when they host Southampton, in a tricky fixture this weekend.
The Saints are healing from a 4-1 loss to Leicester City and will look to bounce back but Chelsea will settle for nothing less than all three points.
Team News
In early team news, the Blues will be without defender David Luiz, who is nursing a knee issue. Danny Drinkwater and Michy Batshuayi are both back in training and could play a role while striker Alvaro Morata, who missed the trip to Kirklees, is expected to be back into the starting XI for this game.
Formation: 3-4-3
Manager: Antonio Conte
GK – Thibaut Courtois
The Belgian had a comfortable night against the Terriers and will hope to go one better and keep a clean sheet this weekend.
CB – Cesar Azpilicueta
The Spaniard is easily one of the best in his role in the competition and should keep his place on the right-hand side of the backline.
CB – Andreas Christensen
The youngster has settled in well under Conte’s system and should continue to start at the heart of the defence for his side.
CB – Gary Cahill
The veteran Englishman was not a part of the squad that started in the mid-week but could find a place back in the starting XI against the Saints.
RWB – Victor Moses
The Nigerian ace adds a lot of creativity and stability on the flank and Chelsea have to stick with him, with Zappacosta struggling to impress.
CM – N’Golo Kante
The French midfielder will be the real danger for Southampton as his industry and running can take the game away from the visitors.
CM – Cesc Fabregas
Adding some creativity to the midfield should be Fabregas, whose last outing against West Ham was one of his worst.
LWB – Marcos Alonso
Alonso has no natural backup for his wing-back role on the left flank and is an automatic starter for Conte this season.
RW – Willian
Was Chelsea’s best player in the victory over Huddersfield Town and will look to keep the likes of Bertrand on his toes in this fixture.
LW – Eden Hazard
The Belgian playmaker has been consistently impressive this season and will hope to get the better of the likes of Van Dijk and Soares this weekend.
ST – Alvaro Morata
Missed the last game with an illness but Morata is all but fit for this game and should lead the attacking line for Chelsea.