In what is easily one of the stories of the season so far, Antonio Conte’s Chelsea managed to keep their winning run intact, extending it to 11 games to stay on top of the Premier League table, 17 games into the season. They have conceded just 2 goals in the last 9 games and are one of the strongest sides in the competition. There are not many teams that are equipped well enough to stop them this season but they will definitely face a tough challenge this weekend when they host Eddie Howe’s Bournemouth side at the Bridge. The Cherries lost to the Saints in the previous round but have generally been hard to beat for the top sides in the competition and are expected to put in a fight at the weekend. Conte will play his strongest side and here is the predicted lineup he might field:
Team News:
The manager will miss the services of striker Diego Costa and midfielder N’Golo Kante for this game as the duo will serve suspensions they picked up for the accumulation of 5 yellow cards. Skipper John Terry remains sidelined while John Obi Mikel and Marko van Ginkel are facing race to fitness for this game.
Formation: 3-4-3
Thibaut Courtois:
The first choice shot-stopper for Conte this season, Courtois, should keep his place in the side for this game against Bournemouth.
Cesar Azpilicueta:
The Spaniard has been one of the most consistent defenders in England for some time now and he starts every game for the Blues.
David Luiz:
The sweeper in Conte’s 3-man defence, Luiz, has been immaculate in his new role at the club and should start in a similar position against the Cherries.
Gary Cahill:
The English defender has grown stronger and stronger by the season and is easily one of the best in the league at the moment and should start this game for Chelsea.
Victor Moses:
The surprise package for Chelsea this season, Moses, has been in fine form, playing as a right wing-back and he should keep his place.
Nemanja Matic:
The Serbian has been decent this season in the middle of the park for Conte and he should start this game against Bournemouth at the weekend.
Cesc Fabregas:
With Kante out suspended, the manager will have to bring in Cesc Fabregas into the midfield for this game against Bournemouth.
Marcos Alonso:
The Italian wing-back has taken no time to adjust to the Conte’s system at the Bridge and he should star this game against Bournemouth.
Pedro:
The former Barcelona man has been exceptional this season under Antonio Conte and he is the first choice attacker for the manager and will keep his place on the side.
Eden Hazard:
The Belgian play maker is arguably the most effective player in the Premier League this season and the manager will hope that he can get his side through in the absence of Costa.
Michy Batshuayi:
With first choice striker Costa injured, Conte does not have too many options in his squad but to replace the Spaniard with young Batshuayi.