Chelsea predicted XI: Leicester (A)
Chelsea will travel to Leicester this weekend as they look to rise up the Premier League table.
The Foxes have made a mixed start to the season with a defeat against Manchester United and an unlucky loss at Arsenal before looking comfortable in their 2-0 win over Brighton. It certainly will not be an easy three points for the Blues, as they begin a hectic period of games.
However, with the deadline day additions of Danny Drinkwater and Davide Zappacosta, the Blues will go into the game with a welcome depth to the squad, something that Anotnio Conte has not had this season so far. Furthermore, the added boost of Eden Hazard being at least fit enough to be on the bench for the game is huge. Conte will have a fully fit squad to choose from for the first time this season. This comes at the perfect time for Chelsea as they begin their Champions League campaign on Tuesday against Qarabag.
Here is how I think Chelsea will line up against the Foxes on Saturday.
GK – Thibaut Courtois
As long as he is fit, I expect him to play in every Premier League and Champions League game for Chelsea. His presence is imperative to our defence.
RWB – Victor Moses
Despite the signing of Davide Zappacosta, Antonio will stay faithful to the Nigerian for the near future, although in the long-term, his place will be under threat.
CB – Cesar Azpilicueta
He has not performed up to the usual standards so far this season, but the professionalism and quality of the Spaniard will soon return.
CB – David Luiz
No doubt that the Brazilian will be patrolling the sweeper position, and having the calming influence on the defence that we are becoming so accustomed to seeing.
CB – Antonio Rudiger
The German has grown into the role he is now in, and I only expect him to improve and develop his game more.
LWB – Marcos Alonso
After failing to acquire another left-wing back, and with Baba Rahman still injured, Alonso will deservedly continue in this position.
CM – N’Golo Kante
He will be so important against his former club and with the pace of the game expected to be high, he will be as crucial as ever to the side.
CM – Cesc Fabregas
This may be a controversial choice, but I still believe that Fabregas brings too much to the side to be left out. His creativity is of massive value to Chelsea and they do miss that spark in the midfield when he is not there.
RW – Willian
The Brazilian has been in such fine form at both international and club level, therefore to drop him would be a mistake for me, as he deserves to be rewarded for the consistency he is currently showing.
LW – Eden Hazard
It is with extreme pleasure that I am able to write the Belgian’s name on the team sheet. He is the one of the few world-class players in the Premier League and it is massive for Chelsea that he is back in contention to start.
ST – Alvaro Morata
The Spaniard scored twice during the the international break and is continuing to relish being the number one choice upfront.