Chelsea have carved an opening for themselves to qualify for the Champions League by defeating the high-flying Liverpool on Sunday. Antonio Conte’s men showed some tremendous character and tactical discipline to notch a victory over the Champions League finalists. However, the test for them now is to defeat David Wagner’s Huddersfield Town tonight. In their first season after coming back to the Premier League, Huddersfield have actually been quite good throughout the campaign.
Sure, they need more consistency, but the Terriers have shown good character and discipline along the way. Starting with a relatively stringent budget, avoiding relegation is the primary objective for them and they are extremely close to achieving it.
One of their high points came on Sunday when they restricted Manchester City to a goalless draw at the Etihad. In the process, Huddersfield became the first team to register a clean sheet at the Etihad against City this season and also the first promoted team to keep a clean sheet at the Etihad since 2007. This confidence should keep them upbeat in the clash against Chelsea.
Team News:
Chelsea:
Antonio Conte will be pleased to have a fully fit squad to charge his late assault for a top-four finish. Their early exit from the Champions League seems to have helped the squad as the players are free from any kind of fatigue and are playing with full intensity on the field. David Luiz, who had fallen down the pecking order is out injured due to a knee injury and there are doubts whether he would feature again this season. However, Antonio Rudiger is a yellow card away from suspension as he has already been booked four times.
Formation: 3-4-3
Courtois, Azpilicueta, Cahill, Rudiger, Moses, Kante, Fabregas, Alonso, Willian, Hazard, Giroud
Huddersfield Town:
David Wagner’s first team looks well settled and he is unlikely to tweak much. However, players like Elias Kachunga and Danny Williams are suffering from Malleolar injuries since March and will miss out.
Formation: 4-4-2
Lossl, Smith, Jorgensen, Schindler, Kongolo, Lowe, Mooy, Hogg, Van La Parra, Depoitre, Mounie
Prediction:
Chelsea have struggled to churn out consistent results this season. However, their performance against Liverpool was refreshing and was a clear testament to the amount of talent that the squad possesses. Accordingly, Huddersfield have proven that they are not ones to buckle down during difficult situations. Hence, it is likely to be a close contest but Conte’s men might just edge out Huddersfield with a 2-1 scoreline.
Betting Odds
Chelsea- 1/5
Draw- 6/1
Huddersfield Town- 18/1
