Chelsea are currently reeling after Manchester City’s assault on them in the Premier League. The 6-0 defeat was their worst in the Premier League era and has put a tremendous amount of pressure on Maurizio Sarri and his methods. The famous Sarri-ball has also been criticised in recent weeks and things need to change result-wise to ease the pressure to an extent on the coaching staff.
Their next assignment is an away fixture against Malmo in the Europa League and to be fair the players could do with some time away from the piercing gaze of folks back here. And while a win is the need of the hour, Sarri is likely to make wholesale changes to the starting eleven with a FA Cup quarter-final fixture against Manchester United beckoning.
CHELSEA TEAM NEWS
Sarri is unlikely to have any injury issues for the clash. Gary Cahill and Callum Hudson-Odoi are slight doubts but we expect both of them to feature.
PREDICTED CHELSEA LINEUP VS MALMO (4-3-3)
DEFENCE
Willy Caballero is expected to feature in goal for the away side. The Argentine is more than capable of filling in for Kepa and will be backed to keep a clean sheet.
We expect a completely changed backline. Davide Zappacosta and Emerson should be lining up as the two fullbacks. Irrespective of the competition, Marcos Alonso’s torrid form might well open the door for Emerson to feature more regularly and he has to grab whatever opportunities he gets.
Gary Cahill is expected to feature while he will be partnered by Andreas Christensen. The duo will look to keep a clean sheet and the latter in particular will be keen to impress Sarri.
MIDFIELD
Ethan Ampadu is likely to feature in midfield. His versatility will ensure a starting spot tomorrow. Jorginho will get a much-needed rest after gradually deteriorating displays and he should use the time off to prepare for the clash against Manchester United. Mateo Kovacic is expected to start in midfield while the third slot could be taken up by Ruben Loftus Cheek. The latter has impressed in short bursts but hasn’t yet made use of the starts he has gotten till now.
ATTACK
Eden Hazard, Gonzalo Higuain and Pedro started against City but we expect all of them to be rotated. Olivier Giroud should start up front while Willian and Callum Hudson-Odoi should be taking up the flanks.
Odoi missed training twice in the last week and wasn’t included in the squad against the Sky Blues but a start for him won’t come as a surprise.
