12 games into his first season in England, Italian mastermind Antonio Conte has lifted the 2014-15 Premier League Champions to the top of the table with an incredible run of 6 consecutive victories this season. They have also kept clean sheets in each of their 6 games and have been at the top of their game, but they will face a tough task this weekend when they face Mauricio Pochettino’s energetic Tottenham Hotspur side in yet another London derby. Spurs are fresh from a last-gasp victory over West Ham in the last round while Chelsea got the better of Middlesbrough away from home. Conte is alive in just one competition at the moment and is expected to field his strongest side for this game. Here is the predicted lineup that Chelsea might play for this game:
Here is the predicted lineup that Chelsea might play for this game:
Team News:
Conte will still be without out of favour winger Willian who may only find a place on the bench for this game. Diego Costa, Eden Hazard and Cesc Fabregas have shrugged off small niggles while Kurt Zouma has also got another 90 minutes under his belt and all 4 might play a role in this game.
Formation: 3-4-3
Thibaut Courtois:
Playing for his 7th consecutive clean sheet, the Belgian has been in electric form in the last few game and will be the biggest enemy for Spurs in this game.
Cesar Azpilicueta:
The Spaniard has been one of the most consistent defenders for Chelsea for some time now and he is a regular starter under Conte and should start this game at the Bridge.
David Luiz:
Showing glimpses of his best form as a part of a three-man defence, Luiz has been sublime, playing as a sweeper and will retain his place in the squad for this game.
Gary Cahill:
The English defender has found some lost form in recent games under Conte and he should keep his place in the side for this game against Spurs.
Victor Moses:
The winger turned wing-back has done exceptionally well for Chelsea at both ends of the field in recent games and should keep his place in the side for this encounter.
N Golo Kante:
The former Leicester City midfielder has adjusted to life well at the Bridge and has been an impact player for Conte, and is one of the first names on the team sheet this season.
Nemanja Matic:
The Serbian is slowly gathering some important form for Chelsea and Conte will hope that he can help his side to all three points against the Spurs.
Marcos Alonso:
The Italian has cemented his place as a left wing-back helping Chelsea to 6 consecutive clean sheets assuring his place even for this game.
Pedro:
The former Barcelona man is one of the in-form players for Chelsea in recent games and is now the first choice for Conte for this game against the Spurs.
Eden Hazard:
Back to his previous best, Hazard is one of the best players in the league at the moment and is the biggest threat in front of goal for the Spurs this weekend.
Diego Costa:
The Spanish striker scored the winner for his side in the previous round and is currently the top scorer in the league making him one of the most important players for the Blues this season.