Chelsea are travelling to West Yorkshire to take on Huddersfield Town at the John Smith’s Stadium as the Blues look to start their league campaign on a high. Maurizio Sarri has made a few shrewd signings over the past month, and now, he has a strong squad to choose from for this season-opener.
However, the Blues will come up against a well-drilled Terriers side coached by David Wagner, one of the best managers from last season. It won’t be easy for them to secure the three points and if the Chelsea players get complacent, then it is highly likely that an upset is on the cards.
The history of this fixture favours the West Londoners as they have emerged victorious in three of their last four meetings with the Terriers. Sarri is expected to opt for a 4-3-3 formation and might hand both summer recruits, Kepa Arrizabalaga and Jorginho their Premier League debuts.
4-3-3 Chelsea Predicted Lineup To Face Huddersfield Town
Defence
The new Chelsea goalie Kepa Arrizabalaga will start in goal for the London outfit while Willy Caballero has to settle for a place on the bench. The former Athletic Bilbao shot-stopper might be guarded by a backline of David Luiz and Antonio Rüdiger in central defence. Marcos Alonso operates as the left-back, and César Azpilicueta is playing on the right-hand side of the back four.
Both Emerson Palmieri and Andreas Christensen might be available for a place on the bench. Maurizio Sarri would hope that his defenders can keep it tight at the back against their West Yorkshire opponents tomorrow so that they have a solid platform to go on and claim a victory on the opening day of the new Premier League season.
Midfield
The trio of Cesc Fabregas, Jorginho and Ross Barkley could start in the middle of the pitch, and the performance of these players will be crucial if the Pensioners are to break down the solid Huddersfield defence tomorrow. The Blues midfielders will be responsible for putting pressure on the Terriers’ midfield and win the 50-50 duels so that they can feed balls to their forwards on the counter.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek might be on the bench for this season opener against David Wagner’s team.
Attack
The Blues front three would consist of Alvaro Morata spearheading Sarri’s attack, while Pedro looks to use his guile and trickery down the left flank. Willian will start on the right side of the Chelsea attack looking to register his name on the scoresheet.
Olivier Giroud and Callum Hudson-Odoi will both be on the bench and might come on, if required, during the contest.
