I won’t be wrong, if I say that, it was just because of Chelsea that Leicester won the title in the first place. What a game it was, full of controversies, and the Blues gave everything to come back. After being 2-0 down in the game, Chelsea gave a fantastic performance to hold the title contenders in their pursuit.
Now, Chelsea will be travelling to the Stadium of Light to face Sam Allardyce’s side, Sunderland this Saturday. Sunderland is currently battling for their lives to stay in the league and a win would give them a morale boost for their next games as well. Chelsea, on the other hand, will be looking to finish their campaign as high as possible and a win against the black cats would not help the team that much, but will take them closer to Liverpool.
Looking at the club’s last 6 games record, Chelsea are having an upper hand as the side has managed to grab 8 points from their last 6 games by winning 2 and drawing 2. Furthermore, Sunderland have 7 points from their last 6 games as the side have won just 1 of their last 6 games and have drawn 4.
Here is the Predicted Lineup for Chelsea that could face Sunderland this Saturday-
Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois-
The Belgian shot stopper missed the last 2 games for the club due to suspension, and will return to the starting XI for the team. He has to be on his toes as Defoe is in a good form, and can cause many problems to Chelsea’s defence.
Defenders: Azpilicueta; Cahill; Terry; Ivanovic-
The Dutch interim might go with the same defensive lineup this time as well. Terry and Cahill were exposed in the first half of the game as the passes from Tottenham’s midfielders tore them apart. But, the English defenders made a fantastic comeback in the second half and didn’t let the players get past through them. Azpilicueta has had an average 2015-16 season, but still is the number one choice for the position. Ivanovic, is criticized heavily this season, but the Serbian provides a physical approach to the team and still is an important player for the Blues.
Midfielders: Willian; Fabregas; Matic; Loftus-Cheek; Hazard-
Couple of changes in the midfield for the blues. Willian as usual will be running down the flanks. Fabregas and Matic might start the game again for the Blues with Fabregas providing an offensive support, and Matic providing a defensive support. Mikel should be dropped in the game as he didn’t have much effect in the game against Tottenham and was very sloppy in possession as well. Hazard might start the game in place of Pedro this time. He scored the decisive goal for the club last time out, and is regaining his shape in the course of time. The Dutch manager might introduce the young, dynamic number 10 Loftus-Cheek, in the game to partner Matic in the midfield pivot.. He is a pacy box-to-box midfielder and can be a threat for Sunderland’s defence.
Striker: Diego Costa-
Had a rough start to the season, but is coming to his usual form. He is an aggressive center forward and is a great finisher as well. He is quick and can punish the opposition’s defence in instance. He is sure to start the next game as the team without Diego Costa seems lost in the attack.