Predicted Chelsea XI to face Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League
Chelsea will look to shake off the disappointment of Sunday’s Carabao Cup final defeat to Manchester City when they welcome arch-rivals Tottenham to Stamford Bridge.
The Blues must deal with a short turnaround ahead of the Wednesday’s game and Maurizio Sarri will expect a reaction from his boys.
Tottenham’s title aspirations took a big blow when they lost to Burnley last weekend but Mauricio Pochettino will be buoyant to beat a struggling Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
Team News
Sarri has a clean bill of health heading into Wednesday’s game.
Predicted Chelsea XI
Formation: 4-3-3
Manager: Maurizio Sarri
Kepa Arizzabalaga (GK)
Kepa created headlines in the Carabao Cup final for refusing to be substituted, with Chelsea taking action by fining him a week’s wages. Sarri has closed the matter, which suggests Kepa could retain his place between the sticks against Tottenham.
Cesar Azpilicueta (RB)
Azpilicueta will have to be at the top of his game as he could come up against the red-hot Son Heung-min on Wednesday.
Antonio Rudiger (CB)
Rudiger has been a consistent player in Chelsea’s topsy-turvy campaign. He will be key in keeping the Tottenham attackers at bay.
David Luiz (CB)
Luiz will likely partner Rudiger at the heart of the Chelsea defender after the Brazilian put in a solid display on Sunday.
Emerson Palmieri (LB)
Emerson could have done more than enough to start against Tottenham following a fine display in the Carabao Cup final.
Jorginho (CDM)
Jorginho hasn’t been able to live up to the hype since his big-money move from Napoli last summer. However, he has the manager’s backing and will start in his usual position.
N’Golo Kante (RCM)
Kante is a workhorse who covers every single blade of the grass. The Frenchman is a certain starter in the game against Tottenham.
Matteo Kovacic (LCM)
Kovacic’s form has tailed off but he could be preferred ahead of Barkley on Wednesday.
Pedro (RW)
Works really hard off the ball and gets into important spaces to create chances for his teammates. The Spaniard is expected to start on the right.
Willian (LW)
Willian hasn’t had the best of seasons in Chelsea colours but he could be given the nod to start on the left.
Eden Hazard (ST)
Hazard impressed as a false 9 against City in the Carabao Cup final. The Belgian should start in the same position against Spurs.
