Chelsea’s 5-0 hammering of Stoke City marked a perfect end to a good year for the Blues. It helped them prepare for their first clash of the New Year, a mouthwatering clash against their North London rivals Arsenal. Manchester City’s 0-0 draw against Crystal Palace meant that the Champions were 14 points adrift of the league leaders but latest results have again put them behind by 16 points. Antonio Conte has effectively ruled his team out of the race and will try to consolidate on a top-four place. A win against Arsenal would have seen them reclaim their second spot by toppling Manchester United.
The Blues have already suffered their four Premier League defeats in the season in just 21 matches and have drawn three matches. Arsenal, Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur and surprise package Burnley are all within shooting distance of Chelsea and hence their pulsating 2-2 draw at the Emirates will not be Conte’s favourite result.
Last time out when the two sides faced each other, the sides were locked to a 0-0 draw at Stamford Bridge but they corrected their boring display by producing an end to end football.
With the Blues first team players tired from their visit to the Emirates, here is how Conte will look to set his team up for a match the Blues will be expected to win comfortably.
Formation: 3-4-3
Defence
Thibaut Courtois will be given some much-needed rest with Willy Caballero expected in goal once again for the Champions. The defensive three is expected to be having the returning David Luiz who has recovered from knee injury. Cesar Azpilicueta will be one of the three centre-backs. Andreas Christensen who played brilliantly in the last match will be given some rest along with Gary Cahill with Antonio Rudiger expected to play as the third centre back. Marcos Alonso will get some rest with Kenedy playing as a left wing back with Davide Zappacosta expected on the right side after scoring an impressing against Arsenal.
Midfield
Tiemoue Bakayoko along with N’Golo Kante will be given some rest with Danny Drinkwater expected to start alongside young Ethan Ampadu who might be given a rare chance to play.
Attack
The dangerous Eden Hazard will be given some rest with Alvaro Morata expected on the bench after a horrific performance against Arsenal. Pedro and Willian are expected to flank the Belgian Michy Batshuayi for a match Chelsea will be expected to win without much sweat.
