Chelsea have got some good momentum after winning three on the bounce and sit 3rd in the Premier League table which is led by the Manchester clubs. The Blues were beaten by the Gunners in the Community Shield and last season’s FA Cup but the fans will fondly remember the thrashing at Emirates as the game that basically won them the league.
Conte’s side went on a winning spree after that and the formation change after that defeat was the nucleus of the title-winning campaign. Without further ado, let’s take a look at the team news and the predicted lineup for Chelsea ahead of their clash against Arsenal.
Latest team news
Surprisingly, Conte played three in centre midfield last time around and just two up front (Pedro and Morata). New signing Danny Drinkwater is still nursing an injury and will not be available.
Eden Hazard is good to go and should start against Arsenal on Sunday though Conte didn’t say if he will. Some mind games there?
Chelsea’s predicted line-up: (3-4-3)
GK –Thibaut Courtois
A sure starter. Golden glove winner, one of the best in the world.
RCB – Cesar Azpilicueta
“One of the best defenders in the world”, quoted by his manager, he is next to perfect at times. There is nothing this boy cannot do, a team player and a versatile defender.
CB – David Luiz
Was rested in Champions League and will mostly start at the heart of the defence. Probably one of the best players of last season, his ball-playing skills are second to none.
LCB – Gary Cahill
The captain is back and impressed in the midweek. A good headache for Conte, whether to play Rudiger or Cahill, but experience, braveness might give him the upper hand.
RWB – Davide Zappacosta
Looks a beast down the right side, a solo goal that helped the fans bounce off their seats, he looks fresher and stronger than Moses.
LWB – Marcos Alonso
No doubts for this man. Read on, he is arguably the best and most devastating left-back in the league.
CM – Tiemoue Bakayoko
Looks one of the strongest in the team and can shrug players off and dribble alone. He will be a revelation if he continues to advance and thrive in this free role.
CM – N’Golo Kanté
Best in the league, he can make the football pitch seem as small as a chamber for the opposition. He releases players very quickly and is a key counter-attacking player.
CM – Cesc Fabregas
The nucleus for the creativity and passing visionary at the champions, he will look to punish his old club Arsenal as he always does with his 1-2s, through balls and over the head passes. Can burst into the box suddenly and get himself a goal.
CAM – Eden Hazard
Much awaited! Conte gave him some play time in previous two games but will look to perform on the pitch and tear apart Arsenal, like he did a few months back with a sumptuous solo strike.
ST – Alvaro Morata
Three goals and two assists, will supposedly start and be chosen ahead of Batshuayi although the Belgian popped up with a goal in the mid-week fixture.