Sarri should start these two key stars – Predicted 4-3-3 Chelsea XI to face Leicester City

published

21/12/2018 12:00 AM

Predicted Chelsea XI to face Leicester City in the Premier League

Chelsea progressed to the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup with a 1-0 victory over Bournemouth, courtesy of Eden Hazard’s 84th-minute strike.

The Blues claimed all three points last week in the Premier League with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Brighton and Hove Albion and Maurizio Sarri’s men will once again be the favourites when they play host to Leicester City on Saturday.

Leicester crashed out of the Carabao Cup with a penalty shootout defeat against Manchester City after suffering a shock 1-0 defeat at the hand of Crystal Palace in the Premier League last week.

Team News

Maurizio Sarri will be expected to make quite a few changes to the eleven that played in the Carabao Cup against Bournemouth. Victor Moses is ruled out with a lower back injury while Alvaro Morata is unlikely to play a part due to his knee injury.

Formation: 4-3-3

Manager: Maurizio Sarri

Predicted XI

1. Kepa Arrizabalaga (GK)

The Spaniard didn’t have too much to do in the Carabao Cup game but has been a reliable presence between the sticks this season.

2. Cesar Azpilicueta (RB)

He has been defended with a lot of composure and continues to be an integral part of the Blues’ backline.

3. David Luiz (CB)

The Brazilian was rested for the Carabao Cup game but he should be amongst the starters for this one.

4. Antonio Rudiger (CB)

The German has been one of the standout performers of the season for the Blues and Sarri should continue to rely on him.

5. Marcos Alonso (LB)

The Spaniard has been well below-par in all aspects of his game in recent weeks and he will be expected to do much better this time around.

6. Jorginho (CDM)

The summer recruit from Napoli has established himself as one of the most fluent passers of the ball in England and he should be fit and ready to go after being rested for the Carabao Cup tie.

7. N’Golo Kante (RCM)

The Frenchman has shown signs of adapting well to his attacking role in the midfield.

8. Mateo Kovacic (LCM)

He has been one of the first names on Sarri’s team sheet this season and should once again get a start on Saturday.

9. Willian (LW)

The Brazilian hasn’t performed to his potential this season and he will be expected to turn a disappointing season on its head.

10. Pedro (RW)

The Spaniard got his name on the scoresheet against Brighton last week and Sarri should hand him a start ahead of Willian who hasn’t been impressive this season.

11.. Eden Hazard (ST)

He turned the game on its head after coming off the bench in the Carabao Cup and Chelsea will rely heavily on him once again to produce the goods.