Chelsea players will be a dejected lot after their unbelievable 13-match winning streak came to an abrupt end with a 2-0 loss against Spurs at the White Hart Lane. It was expected to be the first blockbuster match of the year with Chelsea quietly confident of making it a record 14 wins on the trot in a single season. But Mauricio Pochettino proved that he was the most prepared man in the stadium as he pulled off a valuable coup and thrust Spurs right back into the thick of things at the top.
The Champions League failure seems to be a thing of the past and the Lilywhites are looking really formidable with each passing gameweek. They ended Manchester City’s run with a similar scoreline and a similar display.
The opposition doesn’t seem to matter anymore and it is clear that Pochettino has the perfect players to follow his high-intensity tactics and it is paying dividends.
Coming back to the Blues, they will now look to brush themselves up as a 5-point lead at the top is still there to be protected. But at first, they will have to navigate through the 3rd round of the FA Cup competition as they are faced with Peterborough.
On paper, it should be an easy win for the London side and they will likely see a number of changes and give some deserved minutes to a few players.
Predicted 3-4-3 Chelsea Lineup Vs Peterborough
DEFENCE
Asmir Begovic will likely come into the team and Courtois will need a breather with a deserved rest having been a part of 11 clean sheets this season. Ivanovic might get a rare game and it is likely to come as the right-sided centre-back. Kurt Zouma hasn’t seen any minutes this season and a game against Peterborough might be the best time to introduce him. Cahill might start in his usual position.
MIDFIELD
Ola Aina featured heavily in pre-season and is likely to get a chance in the wing-back role with Moses perhaps afforded a rest. In midfield, the duo of Matic and Kante has worked their socks off especially the former Leicester man, who has played non-stop. Chalobah might get a game with either Matic or Fabregas alongside him. Alonso or Azpilicueta can play on the left side of the midfield.
ATTACK
Hazard is line to get a rest with a substitute appearance looking likely. Loftus-Cheek can get some minutes while Willian is almost sure of a start on the right-flank. Batshuayi might finally get a start up top.
