Predicted Chelsea Line-up To Play Against Tottenham Hotspur – Azpi & Hazard To Be Rested

As Chelsea take on Spurs in the midweek which marks the beginning of a tough December month, the squad would require rotation of players. Chelsea’s frustrating draw away at Sunderland was testimony to the fact that Chelsea players were a bit leggy and some would definitely do with rest in the midweek. As Jose Mourinho seems likely to tweak his side in a key match, here we are, having a go at predicting the line-up.

Goalkeeper:

Thibaut Courtois

He would start as the goalkeeper, as he has for all the Premier League games. He has been consistent and vocal in his area and would like to keep another clean sheet after he kept three consecutively.

Defenders:

Right Back: Branislav Ivanovic

Chelsea’s burly and beastly defender has to start as he is probably the most physically competent Chelsea player in the team. He gives a new dimension to Chelsea’s play overall, with his strength and power.

Center Back: Gary Cahill

Cahill is a certain to start in this game. The defence needs to be strong against a tricky Tottenham offence and the English vice-captain is a crucial part of the Chelsea back four.

Center Back: John Terry

The skipper would accompany Cahill at the back in a bid to dominate Spurs frontline. Harry Kane has been in good form and Terry would have to be on his toes to deal with him.

Left Back: Filipe Luis

As a bid for squad rotation, Mourinho is likely to rest Azpilicueta for the weekend game and rather play a more attack minded yet all round full back Luis. It is also likely that Hazard may be rested, which is why Luis’ forward play could be crucial.

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Midfiled:

Defensive Midfield: Nemanja Matic

He has played every game for Chelsea till now and he is one player who would again be expected to start against Spurs as well. He has a powerful engine and excellent game-reading ability.

Defensive Midfield: Ramires

The Chelsea runner is bound to start the game instead of Oscar as the squad needs to be freshened up. He would give Fabregas the cover that he would require in the defense.

Central Attacking Midfield: Cesc Fabregas

The Chelsea playmaker would be playing as the chief creator behind the striker as the team is expected to line-up in a traditional 4-2-3-1 formation. In a bid to lessen the burden on his shoulders, Ramires would help him in his defensive duties.

Right Midfield: Willian

Willian has been in good form and is the most energetic of the Chelsea attacking midfielders. He would retain his place in the attacking midfield and hope to cause damage against a team that were very interested in buying him in the summer of 2013.

Left Midfield: Andre Schurrle

The German winger is expected to start ahead of Eden Hazard as the Belgian requires some rest as he has played too many games on the trot. An average and tired performance against Sunderland must have alerted Mourinho about the need to replace Hazard.

Attack:

Striker: Loic Remy

Chelsea is likely to play without their key creative players in Oscar and Hazard, so it is likely that Mourinho would provide Fabregas with Remy who has the pace to make several runs in behind the defence.