The Blues are in for a tough match against West Brom this Monday. Although it would seem that the Baggies are not a great threat to a top four side, Chelsea’s current form has left them begging for results against everyone. Antonio Conte’s men were beaten 3-0 and 4-1 by Bournemouth and Watford in back to back league games and it has left everyone wondering whether the Blues are facing a repeat of the 2015-16 season.
With any injuries and suspensions to worry about, here is how Conte will look to set his side up.
Formation: 3-4-3
Defence
In goal, we can once again expect to see the familiar face of Thibaut Courtois who now has conceded 7 goals in 2 games for the first time in his career. The Belgian sets a lofty standard for himself and will want to keep a clean sheet to correct the scorelines of the two previous matches.
Victor Moses can be expected in right wing-back despite having a terrible game last time out. The only reason is that his backup Davide Zappacosta had an even weaker game against Watford. On the left channel, Conte will want to restore Marcos Alonso to regain some control down the flanks.
Gary Cahill can be expected to sit out for some time now after having yet another howler of a performance, only this time his mistakes were capitalized upon and has now left him no room to hide. He will be replaced by Antonio Rudiger who will want to use this as an opportunity. David Luiz is likely to hold on to his place due to the uncertainty of Andreas Christensen’s fitness. Cesar Azpilicueta will be tasked with leading the side on the night.
Midfield
N’Golo Kante will once again be tasked with being the team’s battery by running up and down to break attacks and help his team regain the ball. He will be less handicapped owing to the suspension of Tiemoue Bakayoko and Kante can for once focus on his game rather than correct Bakayoko’s ceaseless silly errors. Kante is likely to be partnered by the crafty Cesc Fabregas and Chelsea fans will be hoping that Conte sees the error of his ways in having an inept player like Bakayoko in the squad.
Attack
Willian is also a fitness doubt and will most likely be replaced by Pedro. Eden Hazard is the most obvious name on the team-sheet with new signing Olivier Giroud expected to have his first start owing to the absence of Alvaro Morata.
