Predicted Chelsea Lineup To Face Leicester City In The FA Cup
Following their disappointing midweek defeat to FC Barcelona, Chelsea will be eager to get back to winning ways as they travel King Power Stadium to face Leicester City in the FA Cup quarterfinals.
The pressure on head coach Antonio Conte will be enormous ahead of this clash. After being kicked out of the Champions League by the mighty Barcelona, the elimination in the FA Cup could further derail Chelsea’s season and could potentially result in Conte’s dismissal.
Their weekend opponents, Leicester City, on the other hand, are coming on the back of a morale-boosting 4-1 win over bottom club West Bromwich Albion last week. The Foxes are undefeated in their last four matches and will be hopeful of causing an upset in the cup this weekend.
Team News
New signing Ross Barkley remains the only real absentee for the Blues, coming into this clash. The former Everton midfielder is out with a hamstring problem while Tiemoue Bakayoko, who was on the bench for the game against Barcelona, might feature in this week’s cup tie against Leicester City.
Formation: 3-4-2-1
Antonio Conte should stick to his preferred 3-4-1-2 formation against Leicester. It will be interesting to see how the three-man backline will take shape this weekend, considering the fact that the Italian will have the privilege of choosing from a fully fit defensive department.
Coach: Antonio Conte
Thibaut Courtois (GK)
Courtois’ awful performance against Barcelona earned him a lot of criticism from fans and experts alike. Therefore, the Belgian will be eager to make up some ground after a horrendous display in midweek.
Davide Zappacosta (RWB)
Italian defender Davide Zappacosta should replace Victor Moses in the right wing-back position. Brought in from Torino last summer, Zappacosta has been a regular in the cup matches this season for Antonio Conte’s men.
Antonio Rudiger (RCB)
Antonio Rudiger should retain his place in the starting lineup. The former Roma defender will be desperate to perform well following a string of unsatisfactory performances in recent matches. It will be interesting to see how he copes with Riyad Mahrez this weekend.
Gary Cahill (CB)
Chelsea club captain, Gary Cahill, who had to settle for the bench against Barcelona, should be reinstated as the captain for the Blues this weekend. The English international could start in the heart of Chelsea’s defensive line. His experience will be key as the visitors look to keep a clean sheet against the sharp attacking Leicester.
Andreas Christensen (LCB)
Andreas Christensen should appear alongside Antonio Rudiger and Gary Cahill in central defence. The Danish international has been one of the most impressive defenders for Chelsea this season and his presence will once again be crucial in the defensive department.
Emerson (LWB)
Emerson could replace Marcos Alonso as the left wing-back. The former Roma starlet, who joined the club earlier this year, started in the FA Cup fifth round tie against Hull City, where he registered the assist for Chelsea’s fourth goal scored by Olivier Giroud.
N’Golo Kante (CDM)
N’Golo Kante was one of the most impressive players in the midweek clash between Chelsea and Barcelona. The Frenchman will once again be an important midfield outlet for the Blues this weekend. His incredible tenacity coupled with terrific movement will give the visitors an edge in the middle third of the pitch.
Tiemoue Bakayoko (CM)
Tiemoue Bakayoko could be handed his first start since the game against Watford. Bakayoko’s sheer physical presence will be crucial as Chelsea look to dominate the midfield.
Eden Hazard (CAM)
Eden Hazard will once again be Chelsea’s main man in the final third. The Belgian superstar will be tasked with the responsibility of guiding his team to the next round, with his incredible individual qualities. Therefore, stopping him will become imperative for Claude Puel’s men.
Willian (CAM)
Willian will partner Eden Hazard in the attacking midfield position. The Brazilian was scintillating at certain stages of the game against Barcelona. His terrific understanding with Eden Hazard in the final third could be key as they look to unlock the highly disciplined defence of Leicester City.
Olivier Giroud (ST)
Olivier Giroud is expected to lead the line for the Blues this weekend. His superior aerial abilities coupled with his killer finishing prowess could lend Chelsea an upper stand in the offensive department.