Antonio Conte’s Chelsea were knocked out of the Champions League earlier this week at Camp Nou but the Italian manager still has a shot at a trophy as his side are active in the FA Cup. Having beaten Hull City and Norwich City in the last two rounds of the FA Cup, the Blues set up an exciting quarterfinal match against Leicester City.
Leicester, who beat Sheffield United and Peterborough previously in the competition, beat West Brom 4-1 in their last game in the league and playing at home, they’ll believe that they can send Chelsea packing.
Antonio Conte’s future might hinge on this game and with the international break next week, he is expected to field his strongest XI for the tie. Here is the predicted lineup Chelsea might play for this clash:
Chelsea Team News
Ross Barkley and David Luiz are the only injury absentees ahead of this game for the Blues. As already mentioned, the international break will make sure that the Blues do not rest any of their star players for this weekend.
Chelsea Expected lineup (3-4-3)
Defence
Willy Caballero has been preferred in the FA Cup and Conte could stick with him after Thibaut Courtois had a forgettable afternoon in Catalonia. With Luiz out, Conte has little choice but to use Andreas Christensen at the heart of the backline with Cesar Azpilicueta starting on the right side of the back three.
Antonio Rudiger had a torrid time against Barcelona and could also be replaced in the first team by Gary Cahill.
Midfield
Emerson Palmieri did a decent job in the last FA Cup tie but could be replaced by Marcos Alonso, who is the first choice at the left wing back for Conte. Victor Moses could keep his place on the opposite flank.
N’Golo Kanté is an important part of the squad at Chelsea and should also start this game and he could be partnered by Cesc Fabregas, like in the game against Barcelona.
Attack
Eden Hazard cut a frustrated figure at Camp Nou but will be more at home against the Foxes. He will start on the left flank while Willian, who has picked up some form recently, should start on the right flank.
Olivier Giroud has not done enough to retain his place in the first team and could be replaced by Alvaro Morata, who should lead the line for Chelsea.
Here is how they might line up:
