Tony Conte, much like Tony Soprano is cut of the same Italian cloth. The obvious stereotypes aside, these are men who aren’t used to losing. Last Friday at Stamford Bridge, Tony and his men were made hapless by Juergen Klopp calculated strike, much in the way Paulie Walnuts and Chris Moltisanti were, in season 3/episode 11. An everyday Russian mob hit that went astray, riddled with a comedy of errors ensuing with a series self-inflicted wounds, which saw them end up in Pine Barrens, knee deep in snow. This Tuesday, Tony and his band of men will have a chance to go all guns blazing, against Leicester in the third round of the English League Cup, before they apply themselves once more, against Arsenal on Saturday.
Here’s T4O predicted line-up.
Formation 4-2-3-1
Asmir Begovic
Thibaut Courtois, despite his best efforts, was beaten twice vs Liverpool. This could effect a change of guard between the sticks, with the 29-year-old finding himself taking on the unenviable task of fending off the interests of Riyad Mahrez, Islam Slimani and Jamie Vardy.
Ola Aina
Considering the dismal display by Bran Ivanovic at the Bridge this past week, the highly-rated English-Nigerian, 19-year-old right-back, Ola Aina could and should be given a fair crack. Started vs Bristol Rovers in the second round of this tournament, and on the bench vs Liverpool, he is poised to stake a claim to usurp the big and burly Serbian.
Gary Cahill
Another one of those players who had a torrid time vs Liverpool, will be given the nod purely because Chelsea are short of cover in central defence. A penny for the thought of Nathaniel Chalobah, though.
David Luiz
To his credit, the Brazilian did manage to get himself on the end of a few interceptions and blocks at the cost of his facial configuration. Deservedly starts vs the Foxes.
Marcos Alonso
The 25-year-old big money left-back could feature, affording his compatriot, Cesar Azpilicueta some much-needed rest.
N’Golo Kante
As highlighted by the likes of Jordan Henderson and Adam Lallana, N’Golo can’t quite do it all on his own. He’d be on sitting duties with Matic.
Nemanja Matic
The Serbian was anonymous vs Liverpool barring that one adventurous run that ended up with Diego Costa prodding the ball in. He needs to tighten up on his reins, and putting in some yards beside Kante, to have any chance of the Chelsea midfield to emboss their style.
Cesc Fabregas
With Kante and Matic manning the barricades, Fabregas could have the full license pass, hurting Leicester with his vision and execution. His ability to control the tempo was sorely missed on Friday.
Eden Hazard
Eden would be looking to put that last game behind him, as quickly as he possibly could. Will be the player Cesc would try to slip in through more often than not.
Pedro
A shadow of his former self, the ex-Barca man will be given his chance to make a meaningful contribution against Leicester, albeit on the opposite wing, on the back of Willian’s ponderous display.
Michy Batshuayi
Pace, power and the finish; Michy seems like he has it all. Considering Diego Costa’s aerial presence would be nullified by the pair of Huth and Morgan, the Belgian international’s alternative threat could pose different questions.
