Chelsea have yet again opened a pathway for them to qualify for the Champions League after they defeated Liverpool on Sunday. Antonio Conte’s men will face Huddersfield Town looking for a win in order to keep their hopes of a top-four spot alive. They cannot take the challenge lightly, as the Terriers displayed tremendous attitude and application to hold Manchester City to a goalless draw at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday. Chelsea will need to be ruthless in order to avoid any scare. They were tactically brilliant against Liverpool but Huddersfield Town will present a different challenge altogether
Team News:
David Luiz and Ethan Ampadu are sidelined from the first team. However, the most notable exclusion would be that of Alvaro Morata due to the Spaniard’s persistent injury struggles.
Formation: 3-4-3
Defence:
Thibaut Courtois will be an undoubted starter in the match. Huddersfield will look to take advantage of any number of chances they get and Courtois needs to be concentrated throughout the course of the match regardless of his frequency of involvement.
Gary Cahill put in an excellent shift against Liverpool and Conte might trust him to lead the backline from the heart of the defence again. The reliable Cesar Azpilicueta will be slotted in the right side of the defence. Azpi can always romp ahead to make incisive passes in the other half and he will be expected to join his teammates in attack more often than not.
Antonio Rudiger should be preferred to start on the left side of the back three after his brilliant performance against Liverpool, particularly against Mo Salah on Sunday.
Midfield:
Victor Moses looked in excellent touch and his attacking impetus would be needed to break down Huddersfield. Moses drives the team ahead from the back and he should get the nod over Davide Zappacosta. Marcos Alonso, for all his brilliant attacking contributions, is always susceptible to defensive lapses. Both these wingbacks will be required to add up numbers whenever Chelsea carry the ball up front.
N’Golo Kante will be necessary, as the Frenchman displays immense energy, stamina and always puts in a shift whenever he takes the field. He can make rampaging runs to the other half, and hence Kante’s presence would add more bite to Chelsea’s midfield. He will be accompanied by Cesc Fabregas. The veteran Spaniard has been utterly disappointing at times this season. However, due to the sheer lack of quality options coupled with Fabregas’ experience, he is expected to be selected in the starting lineup.
Attack:
Willian and Eden Hazard will play as the two attackers behind Olivier Giroud. Willian remains integral to Chelsea’s plan of countering with pace and hence he would add an extra dimension to the Blues’ attack. Hazard will look to exploit the pockets of space and the onus will be on him to provide the creative spark. Giroud will look to prolong his good run of form with another goal or two.
