Chelsea face a stern test on Sunday as they play Arsenal at Stamford Bridge, looking for a fifth consecutive win in all competitions.
The Blues go into the game on the back of a 6-0 win over Qarabag in the Champions League, while Arsenal have restored a bit of confidence after an eventually comfortable 3-1 victory over FC Köln in the Europa League on Thursday night, in a game in which the kick-off was delayed by an hour due to crowd trouble. Chelsea
Chelsea have more than one extra day of preparation for the game than the Gunners, which will be a massive advantage to them as the match reaches the final 20 minutes, where Arsenal will undoubtedly tire.
Arsene Wenger and his side have not beaten the Blues at Stamford Bridge since 2011, although Arsenal have beaten Chelsea three times in the past four competitive meetings between the two.
Conte has been dealt a blow regarding the availability of Danny Drinkwater, who is out until October. However, Eden Hazard is now almost back to full fitness, and the Italian head coach has hinted at a possible starting place for the Belgian on Sunday.
Here is how we think Chelsea will lineup on Sunday.
GK -Thibaut Courtois
Despite starting against Qarabag, he was a spectator for the majority of the match, and should be fresh and prepared to play a big part in keeping out Alexis Sanchez and co on Sunday.
RWB – Victor Moses
Although David Zappacosta was excellent on Tuesday, Arsenal are a completely different level of opposition, therefore the experienced Nigerian deserves to start in this position.
CB – Cesar Azpiliceuta
The Spaniard will be essential to man-marking Sanchez as he did last season, and his energy and awareness will be key to ensuring Chelsea do not concede.
CB – David Luiz
He was rested in midweek, suggesting that he will almost certainly be starting in his usual sweeper role.
CB – Antonio Rudiger
This will be a tough decision for Conte, but in my opinion, the German defender’s performances in recent weeks warrant him a starting place.
LWB – Marcos Alonso
It is imperative that Alonso starts, as he is still our only traditional left wing back at the club, and without him, we are extremely vulnerable.
CM – N’Golo Kante
He dominated Arsenal last season and was the reason Chelsea were able to win so comfortably, and this season, he has arguably become even better, so it is inevitable he will be running the midfield on Sunday.
CM – Tiemoue Bakayoko
Another of the players who were rested in midweek. Since regaining full fitness, he has been a powerhouse in our midfield along with fellow compatriot Kante.
CM – Cesc Fabregas
He always seems to have the ability to change the game against his former club, and so far this season, Conte has shown a lot of faith in him. For this reason, I believe he will complete our three-man midfield.
RW – Pedro
Pedro, despite listing him as a right winger, will be the roaming attacker in this match. I still think that Hazard has not had enough minutes on the pitch to be fully prepared for a game of this importance and intensity, so the little Spaniard will get the nod ahead of the Belgian and Willian.
ST – Alvaro Morata
Currently our top scorer, Morata has been essential to the attacking play this season, and his price tag is slowly looking like an outstanding piece of business by the club.
