Chelsea had a see-saw season this time around and it has seen the Blues fade away from the top four spot in the league. They began the season rather poorly with an opening day home defeat and while they picked up the form over the next few months, another slump in February and March saw the Blues slip away from the top four. A late charge with 5 wins in their last 6 matches saw them try to catch up ground but it might be too late.
They are now at the mercy of Liverpool who will have to lose their match against Brighton and Hove Albion at home and Chelsea will also have to beat Newcastle United away on the final day. It seems unlikely that Jurgen Klopp’s men will spill all 3 points and hence Chelsea’s chances of a top-four finish are unlikely to bear any success.
Here is the team Antonio Conte might put up for the match against Newcastle United.
Formation: 3-4-3
Defence
Thibaut Courtois missed the crucial midweek tie with an injury. His replacement Willy Caballero’s costly error meant that Chelsea had to settle for a draw and are more or less certain to finish outside the top four. With Courtois still out injured, Caballero will have to continue in goal.
In defence, Conte might stick to a similar three with Cesar Azpilicueta leading the side. Andreas Christensen, who won the Young Player of the Year at the club, will start next to him and the third centre-back could be Antonio Rudiger. David Luiz remains a long term absentee.
Midfield
Marcos Alonso scored a lucky goal last time out but his overall game had plenty of attacking threat written all over it and he might get the nod again to start as a left wing back. Victor Moses could return at right wing back to replace Davide Zappacosta who had a poor match last time out.
N’Golo Kante has been terrific all season and won the Chelsea Player of the Year award last night. He will be a sure starter in midfield next to Tiemoue Bakayoko who will be returning to the line up to replace the tired Cesc Fabregas.
Attack
Willian was impressive last time out and might get to keep his place in attack. His partner in crime and Chelsea’s biggest weapon Eden Hazard could return to the lineup after being rested for the last game. Alvaro Morata was below par last time out and might be replaced by the impressive Olivier Giroud to play in the number nine role for Chelsea.
