Chelsea face fellow early table toppers Swansea for their fourth match of the season. Both these teams have been in great form early on and this would be a match that would test Chelsea for sure. There have been some defensive worries for Chelsea this term as they have left gaps at the back when they have looked to attack. There have been some injury niggles here and there, but Chelsea are expected to field a very strong side anyway. Here is the predicted line-up:
Goalkeeper: Courtois
The Belgian has extended his contract at Chelsea, as he plans to stay for five more years after dislodging Cech from the number one spot. He has been impressive so far.
Right Back: Ivanovic
Branislav Ivanovic has been inspirational in attack. With his beefed up centre back-ish characteristics, he becomes a very effective target man when he marauds forward. With Fabregas and Costa around, his passes and crosses seem to find the right players! He’d have to deal with a pacey and clever Jefferson Montero or Dyer.
Centre Back: Cahill
Cahill is expected to be the mainstay of the team at the back. He is the one who is actually John Terry’s right hand in defence. He would have his handful against Wilfried Bony for sure.
Centre Back: Terry
He is the Captain and the legend, and would surely start in his favourite position. He’s definitely getting older and slower, but he’s fresh as of now, so we can surely expect him to continue. Once the league starts getting hectic, we can expect either Ivanovic or Zouma to replace him.
Left Back: Azpilicueta
Spaniard Cesar Azpilicueta has been utilized as a hardworking defensive left back and he hasn’t disappointed. He hasn’t been instructed to attack as often as he would’ve liked but when he does attack, he likes to cut in and cross with his Right foot. Will have to defend against Dyer or Montero depending on their positioning.
Defensive Midfield: Matic
Matic is another person who’ll make the first team regularly. He is going to face an inform Gylfi Sigurdsson, who has notched up a goal and four assists. Matic’s marking and ball winning abilities will be severely tested today.
Central Midfield: Fabregas
Cesc Fabgregas is likely to start in his favourite position and dictate the play for the Blues. His vision, technique and work rate have been pitch perfect for Chelsea who needed a world class technical player in the centre. He is one key man to watch out for.
Centre Attacking Midfield: Oscar
Oscar is likely to start the match after missing the game against Everton due to minor injury. He played in the international games with Brazil and has been impressive. He would need to combine well with Fabregas and help Chelsea dominate the game.
Right Wing: Willian
Willian has been Chelsea’s go to man in attacking midfield. He is a top runner, and a very pacey trickster with the ball at his feet. He is involved in almost all the build-ups to goals and would be a key player when Chelsea look to counter.
Left Wing: Schurrle
Schurrle may start the game ahead of Hazard, who is expected to be fit after missing some weeks of action due to Achilles injury. Hazard mostly won’t be risked for the match as Chelsea look to be cautious. Schurrle may be later substituted for the Belgian if need arises.
Striker: Diego Costa
Costa is likely to start despite injury worries. He has always struggled with these hamstring niggles and has surprisingly recovered very quickly from all these setbacks. He’s going to be another man to watch out for as Chelsea aim to race clear of competition.
Note: Chelsea may start Filipe Luis instead of Azpilicueta also. This can happen if Schurrle starts the game, which would mean that Costa would get lesser service from Schurrle who is more of a shooter than creator. Luis can provide regular crosses.