Likely Chelsea Line Up To Face AC Milan In The International Champions Cup

Chelsea got off their International Champions Cup to a good start with a 1-0 win over Jugen Klopp’s Liverpool, but the Blues couldn’t produce a similar performance against Real Madrid and were beaten 3-2. Eden Hazard scored a brace for Chelsea in the second half, but 3 first half goals by the Galacticos meant that Real won the match. This tournament is very important for Conte to get his formations and tactics right before the new campaign gets underway.

Chelsea next face AC Milan in the International Champions Cup and Conte could continue experimenting with his team. Here is a predicted Chelsea lineup that might face the Rossoneri.

Goalkeeper – Asmir Begovic

Begovic managed a clean sheet against Liverpool, but conceded 3 goals against Real Madrid. In spite of conceding the three goals, Begovic was confident and Conte could play him against AC Milan.

Centre Backs – John Terry and Gary Cahill

Terry and Cahill were impressive against the La Liga side, but lacked conviction overall. But this is going to be Chelsea’s centre-back pairing for the Premier League and Conte would want them to form a good strong partnership. These two could start against AC Milan.

Full Backs – Cesar Azpilicueta and Ola Aina

Branislav Ivanovic is injured and his place was taken up by 19-year-old Ola Aina against Real Madrid. Aina was pretty good and he could again start against Milan. Azpilicueta has been great so far in the pre-season games and he will be a regular in Chelsea’s starting XI next season.

Central Midfielders – Cesc Fabregas and Nemanja Matic

Chelsea clearly missed Fabregas’ creativity and vision in the midfield against Real Madrid. Fabregas received a straight red card for a late tackle on Liverpool’s Ragnar Klavan and was suspended for the previous game. But he is back from his suspension and Chelsea need him in the squad. Alongside Matic, Fabregas has done pretty well so far in the pre-season and both of them will start against AC Milan.

Forwards – Willian, Hazard, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Bertrand Traore

Willian has just continued from where he left last season and should be in the line up. Hazard was brought on in the 2nd half against Real Madrid and was the best player for Chelsea in the entire match. He surely has carried his good form from the European Championships and his brace late on in the game was an evidence of it. He couldn’t save Chelsea from losing, but Conte will want Hazard to carry this good form into the Premier League and for that, he needs proper game time in the pre-season.

Traore and Loftus-Cheek have performed well against Liverpool as well as Real Madrid and they could be rewarded with a place in the starting eleven against AC Milan.

Just like against Real Madrid, Conte could substitute all the players during half time and other youngsters as well as new signings could feature for Chelsea in the 2nd half.