Cahill Out, Zouma In; Chelsea Predicted Lineup To Face Tottenham Hotspur In The FA Cup Semi-Final
Apr 22, 2017 at 10:12 AM
Antonio Conte is very close to landing the Premier League title in his first season at the club, but he is now looking to also conquer the domestic cup this weekend. The Blues face off local rivals Tottenham Hotspur in this year’s FA Cup semi-final as both teams will fight out for supremacy in front of a packed Wembley. The Blues beat Manchester United in the previous round of the competition but lost to the same opponents in their most recent game. Conte will be quietly confident that his side can get the work done on the night and here is the predicted lineup he might field for this tie:
Team News:
The manager has revealed that Thibaut Courtois is back in training and is expected to start this game but defender Gary Cahill is ruled out due to an illness. These remain the only injury issues for Chelsea ahead of this game.
Expected lineup (3-4-3):
Defense:
With Courtois back in action, the Belgian should take over Asmir Begovic, who had an awful time at Old Trafford. Spanish star Cesar Azpilicueta and Brazil defender David Luiz have been excellent at the back and should also start this game.
Cahill is ruled out and Kurt Zouma, who started the United game, should be preferred over John Terry for this semi-final.
Midfield:
Versatile winger Victor Moses has done a decent job at right wing-back for Chelsea and he should keep his place in the side for this tie. Italian star Marcos Alonso has been impeccable on the other flank and he should start at left wing-back for Chelsea.
While N Golo Kante, the French midfield engine is the first choice for Conte, Nemanja Matic could be preferred over Cesc Fabregas, to add some mettle to the midfield for the Blues.
Attack:
Willian has done a decent job this season but has not been the first choice for Conte. He should sit on the bench leaving Spanish winger Pedro to start on the right flank.
Belgian star Eden Hazard will be the biggest threat for the Spurs on the night and he will start on the left wing while 17-goal striker Diego Costa, should lead the attack for his side in this FA Cup semi-final.
Here is how they would line up:
*image courtesy: Getty Images