Costa Ruled Out, Batshuayi Starts – Predicted 3-4-3 Chelsea Line-Up To Face Leicester City

After an incredible winning run that pushed Chelsea to the top of the Premier League table, the Blues were halted in their own city as London rivals Tottenham Hotspur managed to get a 2-0 victory over them in the first game of the year. Antonio Conte will hope that his side can get back to winning ways this weekend when they travel to the King Power on Saturday.

The Foxes, the defending champions, are fresh from a draw with Middlesbrough and will have to do a lot better to get anything from this game but playing at home, they are expected to make Chelsea work for every point. Conte will not let any more complacency set into the squad and will want his team to go all out for a victory in this game.

Here is the predicted lineup he might field for this game:

Team News:

Chelsea have no new injuries to worry about ahead of this game as skipper John Terry remains the only absentee. The defender picked up a red card in the FA Cup game and will miss this game to be back for Hull.

Expected lineup (3-4-3):

Thibaut Courtois:

The Belgian is the first choice shot-stopper for Chelsea this season and he should start this game on goal for his side.

Cesar Azpilicueta:

Arguably the most consistent defender for Chelsea for a while now, Azpilicueta is one of the first names on the team sheet for his side this season.

David Luiz:

The Brazilian has been sublime in the middle of a 3 man defense for the Blues and he should start in a similar place this weekend.

Gary Cahill:

The English veteran has helped Chelsea to some important result this season and will hope to put in a similar performance against the Foxes.

Victor Moses:

The only option for Chelsea at the right wing-back position, Moses has been in decent form for the side and should keep his place for this game.

Nemanja Matic:

The Serbian has been an on and off personnel for Chelsea this season and he should start this game against Leicester at the weekend.

N’Golo Kante:

After a disappointing performance in the previous outing, Kante will look to get back to his best in this game against the Champions.

Marcos Alonso:

The first choice left wing-back for Chelsea, Alonso is expected to start in a similar position on this trip to the King Power.

Pedro:

The former Barcelona man has been effective this season on the right wing and will play a similar role this Saturday.

Eden Hazard:

Arguably the most influential player this season in the league in his position, Hazard is expected to start this game against Ranieri’s side.

The Belgian attacker to get a rare chance to start the game for the Blues as Diego Costa has not travelled with the squad to face the Foxes. Telegraph, reports that Costa has not trained with the first team over the past three days after a bust-up with backroom staffs, in which Conte got involved and things went out of control. The same report also states that Costa has received a humungous £30 million-a-year offer from Chinese League.