Chelsea faced grave disappointment this weekend in the Premier League, having faced their second defeat of the season at the hands of Crystal Palace. It came as a shock to the reigning champions as the Eagles were looking completely out of sorts since the start of the season and for all of their first seven matches to find themselves at the bottom of the pile.
However, the form of the Blues in the Champions League has been impeccable so far this season. They have won their first two matches, with their last win coming against Atletico Madrid at Wanda Metropolitano, the home ground of Los Colchoneros. It will be another stern test for the Blues, though, when they face Italian giants AS Roma in their own backyard this Wednesday.
The Chelsea lineup might look like this while facing the Serie A side tomorrow night.
Defence
The three-man show in the backline for the Blues brought them rich dividends in the last term but it has not been as effective so far this season. However, it is very unlikely that Antonio Conte will change the formation around in this crucial match and they are expected to go in with the tested trio of David Luiz, Gary Cahill and Casar Azpilicueta to guard their backline. All of them have performed well so far in the Champions League and will be raring to go against AS Roma as well.
Thibaut Courtois will, as usual, stand in the goal for the Blues.
Midfield
Chelsea are already missing the main orchestrator of their symphony, N’golo Kante, dearly since the player is out with an injury that he picked up during the recently concluded international break. In his absence, Tiemoue Bakayoko and Cesc Fabregas will have to take the onus to fend off the attackers and also keep the lion’s share of the ball possession.
Wingbacks Davide Zappacosta, who scored a wonder goal on his debut against Qarabag at Stamford Bridge and Marcos Alonso, will have to contribute by providing assists for the attackers and score goals when the opportunity is there.
Attack
While Alvaro Morata took part in training both on Sunday and yesterday, it is extremely unlikely that Conte will start the game with the Spaniard.
They might go in with Michy Batshuayi but they can also opt for Pedro as a forward, as he was used in the match against Crystal Palace. Eden Hazard will once again have to take the responsibility to get a good win for his team and he is expected to be aptly supported by Willian in the attack.
