Chelsea’s Lineup Amidst Their Injury Woes
Antonio Conte’s Chelsea are currently at the top of the Premier League table and have the Premier League title in their hands to lose. They have all but qualified for the Champions League next season and the FA Cup semi-final is possibly their biggest test remaining this season. Though Conte would have wanted all his star players available until the end of the season to avoid any hiccups, he was dealt a huge blow after Belgium playmaker Eden Hazard picked up an injury that might keep him out of the game for another 10-15 days. The 26-year old has been in devastating form this season but Conte might miss him for the game against Manchester City after the international break. So how should he approach this game? Here is the predicted lineup that Chelsea might field in the absence of Eden Hazard:
Though the playmaker is absent, Chelsea should stick with a 3-4-3 formation that has helped them immensely this season.
Defence:
Thibaut Courtois has been one of the best goal keepers in Europe this season and he should keep his place in the first team for the rest of the season. Cesar Azpilicueta, David Luiz and Gary Cahill have formed a partnership that has been going strong but the Spanish defender might have to shift on the flank, leaving Conte with Kurt Zouma and John Terry as his only options on the right-hand side of defence. Wing-back Victor Moses is out injured for the next couple of games and Zouma should get the nod ahead of his skipper.
Midfield:
Victor Moses, as already mentioned, has picked up an injury that has ruled him out atleast for the next two games. But Conte has enough cover and should use Azpilicueta on the right-side of the midfield four. N’Golo Kante and Marcos Alonso have been immaculate and should keep their place in the first team. Here is where it gets tricky for Conte. The absence of Hazard will reduce the creativity in the side and though the likes of Pedro and Willian can conduct themselves well, Conte might need some extra quality in the midfield and might have to use Spanish star Cesc Fabregas more regularly from now until the end of the season. This will add some creativity to the midfield that can help Chelsea get the better of the smaller opponents.
Attack:
There is no reason to replace Diego Costa and he should lead the attack line for the rest of the season. Pedro has cemented a place in the first team and Conte should stick with him on one flank with Willian expected to hog the other. The likes of Michy Batshuayi will still be in the ranks, ready to replace first team stars when needed but Chelsea should stick with a front-three of Willian ,Costa and Pedro, which has already been fruitful this season.
Though Hazard’s absence will affect the club, Chelsea should be able to cope without him and complete the rest of the season without too many problems, going all the way to the title.
How do you think Chelsea should line up in the absence of Eden Hazard after the international break.?