Predicted Chelsea Line-up To Face Stoke City In The Premier League
Antonio Conte’s Chelsea have managed to step closer to Manchester United in the points table, after an easy victory over Brighton and Hove Albion on Boxing Day. They will look to continue their run this weekend when they welcome Stoke City to Stamford Bridge.
The Potters are 13th in the table, having picked up a point against Huddersfield Town in the previous round. They have picked up 7 points from their last 6 games and will hope to put up a fight against the reigning champions. But Conte’s men cannot afford to let any complacency set in and will go for the kill.
Team News
In early team news, the Blues are without David Luiz, who might have already played his last game for the club. Charly Musonda is still doubtful for this game but Andreas Christensen, who missed that game against Brighton with an illness, is expected to be back in action.
Probable Chelsea XI
Formation: 3-5-1-1
GK –Thibaut Courtois
The Belgian had a comfortable outing against Brighton and will hope to have a similar time this weekend.
CB – Cesar Azpilicueta
The Spaniard is probably one of the best players in his position in England at the moment and is one of the first names on the team sheet for Conte this season.
CB – Andreas Christensen
The youngster missed the previous game with an illness but is now back fit. He has been excellent and should start at the heart of the Chelsea defence.
CB – Gary Cahill
The veteran English defender had a superb time against the Seagulls but will have to play on the left-hand side of the backline against the Potters.
RWB – Victor Moses
The first choice wing-back for Chelsea, Moses needs to step up his game, as he has not been at his best, after coming back from a long injury.
CM – N’Golo Kante
The French international has found some consistency in the last few games but could have a comfortable outing against a struggling Stoke City side.
CM – Tiemoue Bakayoko
To add some stability and balance to the midfield, Bakayoko is expected to start alongside Kante and Fabregas in the midfield for Chelsea.
CM – Cesc Fabregas
The Spaniard is expected to add creativity to the midfield against a Stoke City side that will be ready to sit deep and frustrate the hosts.
LWB – Marcos Alonso
After yet another productive outing earlier this week, Alonso is turning into one of the most important players for the Blues this season. He should start on the left flank.
SS – Eden Hazard
The Belgian was one of the best players on the field in the game against Brighton and will have to put in a similar shift if his side are to take all three points from this game.
ST – Alvaro Morata
Back among the goals, Morata will lead the line for Chelsea in this game and will be the danger man for the hosts in this game.