Dinesh V
Chelsea missed the chance to strengthen their grip on the Premier League when they were held to a 1-1- draw by 10 man Southampton. It was the Saints who took the lead but Chelsea got back the equalizer in the 45th minute with Eden Hazard scoring his 10th of the season and Cesc Fabregas providing the 13th assist of the season for the Blues.
They next face fellow London club Tottenham away on the 1st of January and it will be a cracking game like most London derbies are. Jose Mourinho will be looking to get back to winning ways and here we predict the line-up which could be facing Spurs.
Thibaut Courtois
Courtois didn’t do much wrong against Southampton, he was beaten once but apart from that he wasn’t really called into action and so he should continue to be in goal in place of Petr Cech.
Branislav Ivanovic
Branislav has made the right back slot his own at Chelsea, although he would prefer to play as a centre back, his performances over the past 2 seasons as right back have made him a brilliant defender and attacker on the right side for Chelsea.
John Terry
Terry was at fault for the goal Chelsea conceded but didn’t do anything else which was wrong. The Captain should continue in the heart of the defence.
Gary Cahill
Cahill and Terry have formed a brilliant partnership and there would be no point in ruining something that has been working really well all season.
Cesar Azpilicueta
Felipe Luis played as left back for Chelsea and he did pretty well defensively, he was a little hit and miss in the attacking third. He didn’t provide the quality that Azpilicueta provides for the Blues in the final third but he should be back against Tottenham.
Nemanja Matic
The Serbian was good in the heart of midfield for Chelsea and swept up pretty much everything in front of the defence. Matic should continue in the heart of midfield and will be looking to stop any Tottenham attacks.
Cesc Fabregas
Cesc played a more advanced role against Southampton and was at his best, he provided the assist for Chelsea’s equalizer but was booked for a dive which actually was a penalty for Chelsea. He should partner Matic in midfield and look to play in his preferred deeper position.
Willian
Willian was brought on as a second half substitute for the disappointing Andre Schurrle and should start this game as the German may be back on the bench for the game against Spurs.
Oscar
The Brazilian was missed massively as Chelsea drew with Southampton. The team missed his creativity and runs in the middle as Fabregas was made to play in a more advanced role. Chelsea need him back big time.
Eden Hazard
Eden Hazard was the main attacking threat for Chelsea in their last game and seems to be getting better and better as the games go buy. Dropping Hazard would be a big gamble that may not be worth taking.
Diego Costa
Costa wasn’t at his best against Southampton, the Saints defence did really well top contain him but the Spaniard is still the best striking option that Chelsea have and he should get the nod ahead of Drogba and Remy.
