FA Cup: Chelsea vs Peterborough Team News and Predicted Lineup
Jan 8, 2017 at 1:31 AM
Stamford Bridge, London; Sunday, 8th January; KO: 3:00 pm BST (8:30 pm IST)
After the debacles at the White Hart Lane, Antonio Conte’s Chelsea are back in action this week as the manager makes his debut in England’s 3rd domestic tournament, the FA Cup. Chelsea were drawn Peterborough in the third round of the competition and the Italian manager would want his team to keep their momentum in the league going this weekend. The loss against the Spurs, coupled with the lack of quality back up to first team stars might come back to haunt them but Conte will hope to make a few changes, yet keep his side strong enough, to get the work done. Here is the predicted lineup Conte might field for this game against Peterborough:
Team News:
Defender Kurt Zouma is expected to make his debut this season for Chelsea after his lengthy injury he picked up in the previous season. Skipper John Terry is also back in action while Marko van Ginkel is also expected to make the match day squad.
Expected lineup (3-4-3):
Asmir Begovic:
The 29-year old has been patiently waiting for his turn on the sidelines and he should get his chance to start a game for Chelsea this weekend.
Branislav Ivanovic:
The veteran defender is frozen out of the first-team by Conte but with the first team players needing some rest, he is expected to get back into the first team for this game.
John Terry:
The Chelsea skipper is finally back to full fitness and is expected to start this game for Chelsea as a part of the back three.
Kurt Zouma:
The young defender is yet to feature under Antonio Conte and he will make his debut for Chelsea this season when he gets to start this FA Cup tie.
Ola Aina:
The 20-year old full-back has been impressive when called upon for Chelsea and he deserves to start this game as a wing back for Chelsea.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek:
The young midfielder is yet to make an impact under Conte in the few chances he got this season and he will hope to impress when he starts this game at the weekend.
Nathaniel Chalobah:
Completing the midfield for the side, Chalobah, should play alongside Loftus-Cheek as Conte is expected to rest his first choice midfield pair for this game.
Marcos Alonso:
The Italian has been comfortable playing for the Blues as a wing back and lack of options might see Conte stick with him for this Cup tie.
Willian:
The Brazil winger has been in sublime form in the last few games and he should get his chance to start this game against Peterborough.
Cesc Fabregas:
The Spaniard has not been used regularly by Conte his season but this FA Cup tie will give him a perfect opportunity to rest some stars and use the quality on the bench.
Michy Batshuayi:
The Belgian has not been able to impress the manager since his move to the club but this FA Cup game might give him the perfect opportunity to make himself a name at the club.