Chelsea get back into action within 3 days after seeing off Watford in what was a keenly contested tie at the Vicarage Road. While they fell behind to a thunder-bolt strike from Etienne Capoue, they still managed to claw back in the game and provided the finishing touches to their win in the latter stages. And it was Chelsea hero- Diego Costa who managed to extract something extra from his locker right at the end for the second consecutive week. It hasn’t been a smooth start for the Italian- Antonio Conte by any means but he will be pleased to have collected maximum points from the two matches thus far and is sitting at the top with the Manchester clubs. Conte had been flirting with various formations during the pre-season and seems to have finally zeroed in on the 4-1-4-1 set-up as the one to be best suited to their needs. But he has had to tweak in both matches while they chased the game.
Chelsea will be up against Bristol Rovers at the Stamford Bridge as they look to ease into the 3rd round of the EFL. After a roller-coaster couple of matches Conte will hope his side are able to assert themselves to a greater effect against Bristol.
HERE IS THE PREDICTED CHELSEA LINE-UP (4-1-4-1)
DEFENCE
Asmir Begovic is in line for a start in place of Courtois who will be given a break. Ivanovic will most likely get a day-off with pre-season surprise Ola Aina taking his spot at right-back. With scarce options at his disposal, Conte might have to select Gary Cahill and John Terry as the centre-back pairing once again. Azpilicueta will probably line up at left-back.
MIDFIELD
N’Golo Kante is likely to continue his transition into the Chelsea team with another run out in the defensive midfielder’s slot. And Fabregas is expected to have done enough to work his way into the team after coming off the bench to put in an instrumental performance in the game against Watford. He will most likely be partnered by Nemanja Matic.
ATTACK
Eden Hazard should get a much deserved rest after some eye-catching performances over the last couple of matches and Victor Moses is expected to take his place and look to further impress the manager. Willian missed out last week with a minor calf complaint but might get a run out as he builds his match fitness. Michy Batshuayi came off the bench to equalise in what was his first competitive goal for Chelsea and he will likely lead the line in Diego Costa’s well-earned day off.
