Chelsea would host Cardiff City at Stamford Bridge on Saturday afternoon hoping to continue their 100% winning start to this Premier League season. Maurizio Sarri’s players have done well to gain maximum points from each of their opening four matches of this campaign. They would now have a wonderful opportunity to go top of the table if they can see off the Bluebirds this weekend.
Neil Warnock’s men have struggled to score goals up top while they have also been very ordinary when defending their own half. On paper, this has the makings of a one-sided contest but fortunately, football is not played on paper and there is every chance of an upset if Cardiff can keep it tight at the back during their visit of West London.
4-3-3 Chelsea Predicted Lineup To Face Cardiff City
Defence
Kepa Arrizabalaga should retain his place in Sarri’s starting XI while Willy Caballero has to be patient for his opportunity on the bench. The centre-half pairing of David Luiz and Antonio Rüdiger should continue at the heart of the Pensioners defence following another solid display versus Bournemouth in their last league outing. Marcos Alonso is a guaranteed starter as a left wing-back while César Azpilicueta should start on the right wing.
The Chelsea backline kept a clean sheet against the Cherries and would once again look to do the same in this weekend’s clash versus the Bluebirds. Cardiff City does not possess any real goal-threat up top which is why the Pensioners should be confident about their chances of keeping a shutout at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
Midfield
The impressive trio of N’Golo Kante, Jorginho and Mateo Kovacic is expected to line up at the middle of the park. All three of them have looked good in recent weeks so it shouldn’t be a surprise if one of them ends up making a significant contribution during the game versus Neil Warnock’s team on Saturday afternoon.
Cesc Fabregas is still sidelined due to an injury, but the services of Ross Barkley might be at Sarri’s disposal on the bench.
Attack
Alvaro Morata is struggling in front of goal but Sarri is still expected hand him a start up top this weekend.
Eden Hazard has been in outstanding form for the Blues and has played an integral part in all of Chelsea’s four victories so far. He would be responsible for creating some chances and getting his name on the scoresheet against the Bluebirds. Sarri could opt to go with Pedro ahead of Willian after the Spanish forward managed to come off the bench and break the deadlock against the Cherries earlier this month.
