Premier League action returns after the international break and Chelsea’s clash against Tottenham Hotspur will by far be the highlight fixture of the matchday.
Maurizio Sarri’s side have exceeded expectations so far this season and are still unbeaten in the Premier League.
The Blues are just four points behind league leaders Manchester City and two points adrift of second-placed Liverpool.
Chelsea’s opponents Tottenham are not far behind either as just one point separates the Lilywhites from the Blues in the league table.
Sarri’s side were held to a 0-0 draw by Everton before the international break and it ended a run of five successive wins in all competitions. The Blues will hence look to bounce back on Saturday.
Sarri will be glad that most of his players returned from the international break without injuries. Mateo Kovacic is the only exception and is a doubt for the clash.
Defence
It will be surprising if Sarri makes too many changes to the Chelsea lineup. The defence has done well as the defensive duo of Antonio Rudiger and David Luiz have performed well as a pair. They should start and will have the tough task of keeping Harry Kane under wraps.
Marcos Alonso and Cesar Azpilicueta are likely to start as the two full-backs. Alonso has mostly featured as an auxiliary winger at times but will have to keep his attacking endeavours under check against Spurs.
Kepa hasn’t had much to do so far this season but will have to be on his toes against an aggressive Spurs attack.
Midfield
N’Golo Kante and Jorginho have been key in the Chelsea midfield. The former will have to stop Christian Eriksen who is fit again and will start against the Blues. Jorginho’s ball circulation under pressure has been immense and he’ll have to beat the Spurs press more often than not on Saturday.
Ross Barkley could complete the midfield three and the England international will have to provide drive from midfield.
Attack
Eden Hazard and Willian are expected to start as the wide players. Spurs have a well-drilled defence, so we could see Olivier Giroud play in place of Alvaro Morata as the Frenchman combines well with the wide players and could provide Chelsea more fluency in attack.
Hazard – Giroud – Willian
Barkley
Jorginho – Kante
Alonso – Luiz – Rudiger – Azpilicueta
Kepa
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