After the 0-2 loss against Manchester City in their Community Shield encounter, Chelsea will hope to bounce back and make a strong start to their Premier League campaign.
The Blues will begin the season with an away trip to Huddersfield Town on Saturday as the era of Sarri gets underway. Fans are optimistic that the Italian manager can create something special at Chelsea as he did at his previous club Napoli.
With a full squad at his disposal and having kept most of his star players, Sarri will hope to field his strongest line up in the game against Huddersfield Town.
Team News
Chelsea keeper Thibaut Courtois is expected to complete his dream move to Real Madrid while the Blues have activated the release clause of Athletic Bilbao starlet Kepa Arrizabalaga.
The likes of Gary Cahill, N’Golo Kante, Eden Hazard, Olivier Giroud and Michy Batshuayi returned to training this week and all played a part in the last pre-season game against Lyon except the Belgian striker.
There are no injury doubts reported. Let us discuss Chelsea’s potential starting eleven in their opener against Huddersfield:
Predicted Chelsea line-up vs Huddersfield Town (4-3-3)
Defence
Willy Caballero should be confident of starting in between the sticks against Huddersfield after an impressive display against Manchester City.
The Argentine pulled off three excellent saves in the second half to save Sarri from major embarrassment.
Antonio Rudiger and David Luiz are expected to start in the centre of defence and will be expected to play out from the back against an opposition who defend in numbers and rely on counters and set pieces to score goals.
Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso should start as the fullbacks and the onus will be on them to provide attacking impetus from the flanks.
Midfield
Sarri has used the 4-3-3 formation in the pre-season. In this formation, summer signing Jorginho will play at the base in midfield and should be the man responsible for dictating the tempo of the game.
N’Golo Kante could line up on the right of the midfield three. The Frenchman will bring back the intensity and energy that the Blues sorely missed in their loss against Manchester City.
Fabregas should complete the midfield trio edging Barkley for the final midfield position.
Attack
Willian should line up on the right of a front three as his pace and dribbling qualities make him a threat on the counter. The Brazilian is known for his high work rate and stamina which should please Sarri as the gaffer likes his forwards to press high up the field and win the ball in dangerous situations.
Eden Hazard will play on the left of a front three and should provide the creative spark. The Belgian returned to training on Monday but did not look too rusty against Lyon. Alvaro Morata is expected to get the nod over Olivier Giroud and will need to raise his game after struggling for form in pre-season.
