Chelsea will continue a tumultuous week when they take on Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge tonight. The fixture will have a bearing on both the title race and the top 4 places. Another loss for Tottenham Hotspur after their debacle at Burnley is likely to see them drop out of contention for the title while Chelsea also need to win in order to keep the pressure on Arsenal and Manchester United.
Another unwanted talking point will also be the incident involving Kepa Arrizabalaga and Maurizio Sarri with the young Spaniard setting an unhealthy example of defying his manager’s authority in plain sight.
But the Blues will be keen to put that behind them and replicate the footballing display from the Carabao Cup final where they gave Manchester City a run for their money before falling at the final hurdle in the penalty shootout.
CHELSEA TEAM NEWS
Gary Cahill (back), Davide Zappacosta (illness) and Danny Drinkwater (tendon injury) are the injury doubts for Chelsea going into tonight’s fixture.
PREDICTED CHELSEA LINEUP VS TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR (4-3-3)
DEFENCE
Sarri might have to make a huge call regarding the goalkeeper selection. But while there might be a suggestion to keep Kepa out of the starting eleven to reaffirm the pecking order in the ladder of authority at Chelsea, a fixture of this magnitude might not be the best opportunity to make a point. Thus, we might see Arrizabalaga start between the sticks once again.
Cesar Azpiliueta will play at right-back. The Spaniard has looked good in recent weeks and will have to lead his backline against a formidable Spurs’ attacking line.
David Luiz and Antonio Rudiger are expected to continue in central defence after their excellent showing against Manchester City.
Similarly, Emerson will hope to retain his place at left-back at the expense of Marcos Alonso.
MIDFIELD
N’Golo Kante was terrific against Manchester City. While still played out of position, the French international took full advantage of a small tactical tweak by Sarri and looked more like his old self in the final. He will start in a similar position with Jorginho reprising his role as the deep-lying midfielder. Ross Barkley is likely to make way for Mateo Kovacic who was an unused substitute on Sunday.
ATTACK
Eden Hazard was also excellent against City as the false 9 but is likely to take up a more familiar role on the left wing. Gonzalo Higuain should be starting this game while Willian is likely to take up his place on the right flank. Pedro and Callum Hudson-Odoi offer alternatives.
