Antonio Conte’s Chelsea may have won their most important game of the season in their title run earlier this week as they took all three points from their game against Manchester City at the Stamford Bridge. This victory kept their seven-point gap over the Spurs at the top of the table and have a great chance to go even further when they travel to the Vitality Stadium this weekend to take on Bournemouth.
Eddie Howe’s side managed to take a point from their trip to Anfield after a gruesome encounter and they will hope to put in a similar performance against the Blues this weekend at home. Chelsea and Conte will be in no mood to fool around and will go for the kill as the manager is expected to go with his strongest side. Here is the predicted lineup he might field for this tie:
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The Italian manager is expected to have all his players available for selection as winger turned wing-back Victor Moses, who missed the last two games is set to be back in action for this weekend. Thibaut Courtois and David Luiz are nursing minor injuries but are not doubts for this tie.
Probable Chelsea Playing XI
Formation: 3-4-3
Manager: Antonio Conte
GK – Thibaut Courtois
The best keeper statistically in the league this season, Courtois will hope for yet another clean sheet this weekend.
CB – Cesar Azpilicueta
One of the most consistent defenders in the league, Azpilicueta should keep his place in the side for this tie.
CB – David Luiz
Though still nursing an injury he picked in a tackle against Aguero, Luiz has been playing through pain and should keep his place ib the heart of the Chelsea defense.
CB – Gary Cahill
The English defender has been in solid form at the back for Chelsea and will hope to have a comfortable game against the Cherries.
RWB – Victor Moses
Missed the last couple of games with a calf injury but Moses is finally back to full fitness and will add more mettle and quality to this Chelsea lineup.
CM – Cesc Fabregas
Though not first choice under Conte, Fabregas should start this game to add some cutting edge to Chelsea’s midfield on the night.
CM – N Golo Kante
The French midfielder is still in tremendous form and will have to play a huge role if Chelsea are to take all three points from this tie.
LWB – Marcos Alonso
The Spanish has been in superb form off late for the Blues and he should keep his place in the side for this game against the Cherries.
RW – Pedro
Though Willian has been productive, the Spaniard has been preferred over him by Conte and should start this game.
LW – Eden Hazard
The Belgian will have to be at his best on the night, taking on a solid Bournemouth defense if Chelsea are to come out of this game victorious.
ST – Diego Costa
The Spaniard has not been able to find the net in the last few games and will hope to break the slump in this game.