Chelsea vs Cardiff City predictions: Chelsea Line-up

Chelsea will look to bounce back to winning ways in the Premier League when they travel to Cardiff City on Sunday.

Before the international break, the Blues lost 2-0 at Everton as Maurizio Sarri missed a chance to go level on points with Arsenal. Sunday’s game gives them a glorious opportunity to right their last game’s wrong and move level on points with fourth-placed Arsenal.

Cardiff City, meanwhile, are struggling in the relegation zone and will go all guns blazing to stun Chelsea at the weekend.

Team News

Ruben Loftus-Cheek pulled out of the England squad with a slight back injury and remains a slight doubt for Sunday’s game. Davide Zappacosta has an ankle injury but could recover in time to be available for selection.

Probable Chelsea XI

Formation: 4-3-3

Manager: Maurizio Sarri

Kepa (GK)

The Spaniard is their first-choice keeper, meaning he keeps goal in every league game for Chelsea.

Cesar Azpilicueta (RB)

Azpilicueta hasn’t been at his best this season. But he is the team’s skipper and will have a responsibility of marshaling his troops on Sunday.

Antonio Rudiger (CB)

Rudiger remains the team’s first-choice centre-back and is in line to partner David Luiz at Cardiff City stadium.

David Luiz (CB)

The Brazilian has blown hot and cold this season, yet Sarri has preferred him over Christensen in the league games.

Emerson (LB)

Alonso had a poor outing against Everton, so expect Emerson to get the nod ahead of the Spaniard at the left-back spot on Sunday.

Jorginho (CDM)

Despite not setting the world alight, Jorginho is a very crucial cog in Sarri’s system and will start against the Bluebirds.

N’Golo Kante (RCM)

Kante has been used in an advanced role in midfield to accommodate Jorginho, yet he has done very well for most of this campaign.

Ross Barkley (LCM)

Barkley scored twice for England in the international break which should give him a lot of confidence ahead of Sunday’s game.

Pedro (RW)

Pedro has been in and out of the team, but the Spaniard is almost certain to start on Sunday.

Eden Hazard (LW)

Hazard is Chelsea’s best attacker and he’ll be looking to terrorise the chaotic Cardiff defenders at the weekend.

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Olivier Giroud (ST)

Giroud has been a regular starter in the Europa League but given his goalscoring form of late, he could get the nod ahead of Higuain.