Predicted Chelsea Lineup To Face Southampton
Chelsea’s efforts at Wembley put them into the FA cup final in what would be Antonio Conte’s first cup final in charge of the Blues in his first full season in the country. But there is no time for the blues to relax as they will be back defending their top spot in the league table this mid-week. Chelsea welcome Claude Puel’s Southampton to the Bridge on Tuesday. The Saints last played a week ago when they lost at the Etihad and they will hope to put in a better performance to try and rattle Chelsea’s title charge.
Team News
English defender Gary Cahill missed the FA Cup tie due to an illness and may not be back in time for this game. He remains the only issue for Conte ahead of this tie.
Probable Chelsea XI:
Formation: 3-4-3
Manager: Antonio Conte
GK – Thibaut Courtois
The Belgian shot-stopper has been in excellent form and will hope to have a comfortable game against the Saints.
RCB – Cesar Azpilicueta
The Spaniard has been impeccable this season at the back for Chelsea and should keep his place on the right-hand side of the defence for Chelsea.
CB – David Luiz
The Brazilian has been effective as a sweeper and he should start this game at the heart of the Chelsea defence.
LCB – Nathan Ake
Though Kurt Zouma has been effective, Ake put in a solid performance in this position in the FA Cup and should be retained.
RM – Victor Moses
One of the first-team stars for Chelsea, Moses will have a huge role to play on the flank against a compact Southampton defence.
CM – Cesc Fabregas
Only got a few minutes under his belt in the FA Cup semi-final against Tottenham and should start this game to add some creativity to the midfield.
CM – N’Golo Kante
The French midfielder is among the best in the business at the moment and will need to have a good game in order for Chelsea to win this tie comfortably.
LM – Marcos Alonso
The Italian has also been effective in his first season at the club and will have his work cut out in this tie.
RW – Willian
Though Pedro has been preferred in the place of the Brazilian recently, Willian got a brace in the FA Cup tie and that should see him start this game on the right wing.
LW – Eden Hazard
Made all the difference late in the FA Cup semi-final coming on from the bench and he will have to do it all over again from the first minute, against Southampton.
ST – Diego Costa
Started the FA Cup tie on the bench but should be pushed into the starting XI as Conte will be hunting all 3 points.