Chelsea will face a tough test against Stoke away from home on Saturday, with the Blues looking to get back to winning ways in the Premier League.
After a disappointing 0-0 draw against Arsenal last weekend, Chelsea replied well, easing past Nottingham Forest in the Carabao Cup, 5-1 being the final score.
Eden Hazard shone throughout, sublimely setting up Michy Batshuayi for his first and second goals. The striker went on to complete his first hat-trick for Chelsea, in what looked a promising performance from him. Charly Musonda also started and the confidence of his play, combined with end product, was a joy to watch. Certainly, it was a night that belonged to the Belgians.
Antonio Conte will definitely want the players to build on the performance in midweek, and look to pass a tough and physical examination that Stoke will undoubtedly give them.
There are no new injury concerns for Conte’s side, with Danny Drinkwater still unavailable as expected. However, Pedro is fully fit despite some minor injury problems in recent weeks. Eden Hazard is now fully fit and available for selection from the start, which is a huge bonus for Chelsea, and will be a massive boost going into a tough set of matches.
Here is how we think Chelsea will line up against The Potters on Saturday.
GK – Thibaut Courtois
The Belgian was given a rest in midweek, but there is no doubt that he will be starting due to the threatening attacking players Stoke have, including new signing Jese Rodriguez. Therefore, he will need to continue the high level of performances he is currently showing.
RWB – Victor Moses
He has no reason to be dropped, and after being left out in midweek, it is clear Conte still values Moses as his first choice right wing back.
CB – Cesar Azpilicueta
The Spaniard is imperative to the way Chelsea play, and with his outstanding relationship formed with Alvaro Morata on the pitch, their link up play may be crucial again on Saturday.
CB – Andreas Christensen
After David Luiz was sent off against Arsenal, it gives this man a huge chance to impress even more, after some excellent displays already this season when called upon. I expect him to thrive at the centre of the defence.
CB – Gary Cahill
Despite the fact that Antonio Rudiger has every right to believe he deserves a starting place, I think that Conte will opt for his captain. Last week against Arsenal, he put his trust in the Englishman, therefore I expect Cahill to start in his usual position.
LWB – Marcos Alonso
He has been brilliant so far this season, and faces no real competition for his spot in the side.
CM – N’Golo Kante
The first name on the team sheet. The high intensity will require this man’s stamina and world class ability to win the ball.
CM – Tiemoue Bakayoko
He was extremely unfortunate not to start against Arsenal, and the fact that Conte brought him on at half time proves how valuable he is to the side. His driving runs from deep bring a different style to the side, which is refreshing to see.
RW – Willian
The Brazilian thouroughly deserves to start in my opinion. He has been in such fine form that Conte does not have much of a choice to start him tomorrow.
LW – Eden Hazard
Every Chelsea fan would have had a smile on their face seeing Hazard back to his best in the League Cup, and now he is ready to make his first start in the Premier League this season.
ST – Alvaro Morata
Questions were asked of his strength and ability to bully defenders against Arsenal. He will need to prove the critics wrong, and show he can live up to the level that departing striker Diego Costa has shown in the past for the blues.
