A battle between two of the top four contenders at the Emirates on Saturday sees Chelsea looking to get back to winning ways at Arsenal. Antonio Conte’s side needed extra-time to beat Leicester City in the EFL Cup on Tuesday after drawing 2-2 at Swansea and losing 2-1 at home to Liverpool in their last two Premier League games. Looking to get another win on the board here is the side I think the Italian tactician will name:
Goalkeeper: Asmir Begovic conceded twice during the week and there’s no doubt that Thibaut Courtois is recalled to take his starting role in North London on Saturday.
Defence: There was a slight change at the back with Marcos Alonso on the left and Cesar Azpilicueta on the left at the King Power Stadium but I think we’ll see the same back four that faced Liverpool. That will see Azpilicueta move back to left-back and Branislav Ivanovic recalled on the right.
David Luiz and Gary Cahill continued their early relationship during the week and with John Terry and Kurt Zouma both still sidelined this duo will face the Gunners.
Midfield: N’Golo Kante is still a machine in front of the back four but Chelsea haven’t been keeping clean sheets under an Italian manager who was expected to sure up the defence on his arrival. In front of Kante will be Oscar and Nemanja Matic despite Cesc Fabregas putting in another good performance when given a chance by Conte, midweek.
Eden Hazard hasn’t hit top form yet but is expected to give Hector Bellerin some problems down Chelsea’s left whilst Willian will come back into the side as both Victor Moses and Pedro miss out.
Striker: Diego Costa came on in the second half during the week as Chelsea came from two down to win in extra-time. The Spaniard starts this one with Michy Batshuayi dropping to the bench.
Here is how we think Chelsea will line-up:
BACK CHELSEA TO WIN AT ODDS OF 10/1 HERE
