The Premier League table-toppers, Chelsea, are having a superb season this campaign and have now stitched a 9 game winning streak in the domestic league, to move to the top of the table, 3 points better off Arsenal in the second place. After a hard fought victory over the Baggies at the weekend, Conte’s side will play their first mid-week game since been knocked out of the League Cup a couple of months ago this week. They face a relatively easy trip to the Stadium of Light this week as they take on the Black Cats who are smack bottom of the points table. A battle between the two extremities in the points table can easily provide a thrilling game this week. Conte will go for the kill and put in his best team and here is the predicted lineup that he might field for this game against Sunderland:
Team News:
Kurt Zouma and Marko van Ginkel are still struggling for match fitness while John Obi Mikel and John Terry are expected to miss out on this game as well. Midfielder Oscar was reported ill before the West Brom game and may nor may not make it for this trip to the Sunderland.
Thibaut Courtois:
Had a relatively easy game against the Baggies at the weekend and will hope to have a similar game this week against Sunderland.
Cesar Azpilicueta:
Having put in some superb performance as a part of the back-3, the Spaniard is the first choice for Conte this season and should start this game.
David Luiz:
The Brazilian has been a man mountain at the back for Chelsea this season and he should keep his place in the side for this game against Sunderland.
Gary Cahill:
After putting in a superb performance against the Baggies, the English defender will be high on confidence going into this game against Sunderland.
Victor Moses:
The first choice wing back for Chelsea, Moses is an impact player at the club this season and he should keep his place in the side for this game.
Nemanja Matic:
The Serbian has been superb in providing cover for his back-3 and he will continue to do the same in this game against Sunderland.
N’Golo Kante:
The former Leicester City man is playing an influential role in each of the victories for Chelsea and he should start this game on Wednesday.
Marcos Alonso:
The Spaniard has adjusted to his role at the club well and is slowly becoming an integral part of the squad. He should start this game for Chelsea.
Pedro:
The former Barcelona man is now preferred over Willian but Conte and he should keep his place in the side for this game against Sunderland.
Eden Hazard:
The creative force up ahead for Chelsea, Hazard is an important player for the side who will have to be at his best for his team to take all three points from this trip to the Stadium of Light.
Diego Costa:
Having scored the winner at the weekend, Costa is currently the highest goal scorer in the league and he will hope to dismantle the Sunderland defence this week.