Predicted Chelsea lineup versus Leicester City, Hazard returns

Premier League champions Chelsea will resume their duties after the international break with an away fixture at Leicester City. The Blues did the league double over the Foxes last term with both games ending in a 3-0 scoreline. Antonio Conte’s side also eliminated the East Midlands club from the League Cup with a 4-2 victory in the third round.

Formation: 3-4-3

Lineup:

Belgium international Thibaut Courtois has cemented himself as the number one choice at Stamford Bridge and is a certain starter on Saturday. The back three could remain unchanged from the last game with Cesar Azpilicueta, David Luiz and Antonio Rudiger keeping their positions. Gary Cahill is still serving his suspension for the sending off against Burnley.

Summer signing Davide Zappacosta has the full confidence from Conte, but Saturday’s game could come too early to pick him for the lineup. Victor Moses and Marcos Alonso could feature in the right wing-back and left wing-back spots as usual.

Fabregas notched a brace in the League Cup triumph over the Foxes last season. The Spaniard also scored the opener in the 2-0 win over Everton last month, and he could once again be picked ahead of Tiemoue Bakayoko. N’Golo Kante is an automatic choice for the second midfield role.

Conte had to slightly tweak his formation in Eden Hazard’s absence. The Italian had deployed the two attackers just behind the main striker, and this could all change with the Belgian’s comeback. Hazard is fit and kicking following his international exploits with Belgium, and he could get an hour’s work at the King Power Stadium.

With Hazard on the left, Pedro is the most likely choice ahead of Willian for the right-wing spot, while Alvaro Morata will lead the line for the Blues. The Spaniard has bagged two goals and two assists for the reigning champions this season and already looks a great buy for the club.

Image – Getty