Chelsea are have picked up some consistency after a slow start to the league and will take on Manchester City in what will be the highlight game this weekend. The hosts are third with 4 wins and a draw in six games.
Chelsea will be buoyed by their win over Atletico Madrid in midweek and are brimming with confidence ahead of their clash with City. They beat Stoke City last time around in the league, a classy away performance which saw Alvaro Morata bag his first hat-trick for the side.
Team news
Eden Hazard started against Nottingham Forest and Atletico Madrid and looks fully fit to start matches again for Chelsea. David Luiz is suspended which put Andreas Christensen in the mix.
Pedro and Willian didn’t feature in the starting XI against Atleti in mid-week which means they could start.
Predicted Line-up – (3-4-3)
GK: Thibaut Courtois
A sure starter. He has had a good season so far and will look to continue the same. No doubts regarding his shot-stopping abilities. He might be busier than usual today, though.
RCB: Cesar Azpilicueta
The most complete and versatile player among the Chelsea ranks, he is solid at the back, the worst defender to play against in one on one situations and is creative too. He has 4 assists this season.
CB: Andreas Christensen
He is a rising star and is showing signs of maturity at the heart of defence. He doesn’t try to do too much, as he sticks to his basics and tidies up at the back.
LCB: Gary Cahill
He is back to his best after serving the ban and would love to lead by example against City. He is a strong tackler, comes out of his line down the left side to defend even though it is something he has not been used to doing.
LWB: Marcos Alonso
Alonso was outstanding against Atletico Madrid, providing the cool, late assist. He is probably one of the most threatening fullbacks in the league going forward, plays with freedom and is aerially strong.
CDM: N’Golo Kanté
Absolutely no words to describe this lad’s consistency. He will have to work as hard as he always does for his team as City’s attack have fired on all cylinders this season. He can do everything on the pitch, defend, cross, make the play, and break the play.
CDM: Tiemoue Bakayoko
He will start as Conte would want a defence oriented line up. He is the strongest on the pitch, can bully teams with that physicality, dribble past players and chip in with tackles.
RWB: Victor Moses
He has put in a real shift in the wingback role and is a tenacious player, which is why Conte has persisted with him.
LW: Eden Hazard
A threat on the ball against Atletico Madrid, he can operate from the right, left or centre. He is creative, smart and tough to contain. Should start and lead Chelsea’s attack
RW: Pedro
The Spaniard has managed to contribute with key goals and assists and is a busy player. His chemistry with his compatriot Morata could trouble City.
ST: Alvaro Morata
This man is on fire at the moment. He is very quick on and off the ball, links up well, finishes accurately and has shown technical qualities of the highest degree while fighting for the ball.