Antonio Conte’s Chelsea continued their impressive run of form this season as they put three past a helpless Bournemouth to record their 12th straight victory in the Premier League. This win kept them 6 points off Liverpool in second and Conte will hope that his side can take three more points from this week’s game against Stoke City. The Potters are fresh from a defeat the Anfield and will find it even more difficult to take anything from the Bridge but Mark Hughes will know that his side has enough quality to trouble the Blues on the night. Conte is expected to go with his strongest lineup in hope of going all the way this season and here is the predicted lineup for the Blues for this game:
Team News:
Antonio Conte will welcome back the likes of Diego Costa and N Golo Kante after the duo serve their suspensions. However, they will miss the services of Pedro, who is now suspended for a game. John Terry and John Obi Mikel remain sidelined for this game.
Formation: 3-4-3
Thibaut Courtois:
The Belgian shot stopper has kept more clean sheets than any other keeper in the league this season and will occupy his place on the night against Stoke.
Cesar Azpilicueta:
The Spaniard has been solid at the back for Chelsea this season under Conte and he should keep his place in the side for this game.
David Luiz:
The Brazilian has been a man mountain at the back in the middle of a 3 man defense and he will the biggest hindrance for Stoke in this game.
Gary Cahill:
The English defender has grown in confidence in the last few games and he should keep his place in the side as a part of the back line for Antonio Conte.
Victor Moses:
The make-shift wing back has been exceptional at both ends of the field for Chelsea this season and should start this game against Stoke.
Nemanja Matic:
Having put in some impressive performances recently, Matic, is now integral to the plans for Conte at Chelsea and he should start this game in the midfield for his side.
N Golo Kante:
The former Leicester City man missed the last game through suspension and will be fit, fresh and ready to go for this game against Stoke.
Marcos Alonso:
The Italian wing back has also been exceptional for Chelsea, adding some much needed balance to the squad and he should keep his place in the side for this game.
Willian:
With Pedro out suspended, Willian, will get his chance to start a game for Chelsea and he will hope that he can prove himself and cement a place in the starting XI at the Bridge.
Eden Hazard:
The Belgian has been in sublime form in front of goal this season and he should have a decent day this weekend if Chelsea are to take all three points from this game.
Diego Costa:
The top goal scorer for the Premier League, Costa, also missed the previous game thorough suspension and should be back in the starting XI for this game against Stoke City.
