Having started the New Year with a loss to Tottenham, Antonio Conte’s Chelsea managed to get back to winning ways in the previous round as they managed to put three past the Champions of England in their backyard. The Blues are currently at the top of the Premier League table, 7 points off Spurs and Liverpool in the 2nd place and they have a great chance to go 10 clear this weekend when they welcome a struggling Hull City side to the Stamford Bridge.
Marco Silva’s side got the better of the Cherries in the previous round but still find themselves in the drop zone and they have to be at their best to get even a point from this game. Here is the predicted lineup that Antonio Conte might field for this game:
Team News:
Star striker Diego Costa, who was not in the squad for the previous game, is back in training and expected to start this game leaving Conte with no injury issues ahead of this tie.
Expected lineup (3-4-3):
Thibaut Courtois:
The Belgian shot-stopper is one of the best players in his position in the Premier League and Conte should stick with him for this weekend.
Cesar Azpilicueta:
The Spaniard has been one of the most consistent defenders for the Blues recently and he should keep his place in the side for this game.
David Luiz:
The summer buy for Conte, Luiz has been exceptional as a sweeper for Chelsea this season and Conte has no reason to change this combination.
Gary Cahill:
The experienced English international is the first choice center back for Conte on the left-side of the 3 man defense, a position Cahill will keep for this game.
Victor Moses:
The surprise package for Chelsea this season, Moses has been in tremendous form and should start this game at right wing-back.
Nemanja Matic:
The Serbian midfielder has been superb in the middle of the park for Chelsea and he is integral to the plans for Conte in this game.
N’Golo Kante:
Arguably the most effective player for Chelsea in the midfield this season, Kante has been in the form of his life recently and is an automatic starter for the side this season.
Marcos Alonso:
The Italian picked up a brace in the previous round and he will hope to have a similar impact at the weekend against the Tigers.
Pedro:
The former Barcelona man was also on target for the Blues in the previous round and he should keep his place in the side for this clash.
Eden Hazard:
The Belgian playmaker has the responsibility of creating chances for Chelsea this season and he will hope to have a productive night at the Bridge this weekend.
Diego Costa:
Though linked with an immediate exit recently, Costa is back in training with the squad and is expected to start this game for Chelsea.