With yet another victory in the previous round against Burnley, Antonio Conte’s Chelsea are slowly running away with the title race and they have a golden opportunity to open up a 2-digit gap at the top of the table this week. They have a battered Liverpool side at Anfield this week where a victory will send them 13 points clear of the Reds at the end of the January. Conte is adamant that a trip to Anfield will not be easy and though Liverpool have picked up just 2 points in the last three league games, they are expected to be pumped up and are expected to go for all three points. Conte should get his system and team right to get anything from this game and here is the predicted lineup he might field on the night:
Team News:
Helping Conte in his title charge, the Blues have a fully-fit squad to chose from for this game.
Expected lineup (3-4-3):
Thibaut Courtois:
Though linked with an exit in the summer, Courtois, the first choice hot-stopper for Chelsea this season and is expected to start this game.
Cesar Azpilicueta:
The Spaniard is one of the most consistent players in his position in the league and is one of the first names on the team sheet for Chelsea.
David Luiz:
The Brazil defender has been a man mountain at the back for Chelsea and will have to have a good game to take all three points from this game.
Gary Cahill:
The English defender has been influential at both ends of the field for Chelsea recently and is a regular starter under Antonio Conte this season.
Victor Moses:
Facing one of his former sides, Moses, will hope to have an impact on this game to give his side all three points on the night.
N Golo Kante:
The midfield engine for Chelsea that is keeping the vehicle running, Kante, should also have a good game if Chelsea are to dominate the Reds at Anfield.
Nemanja Matic:
The Serbian will be responsible of helping his back line out against a fluid Liverpool attack at Anfield this week.
Marcos Alonso:
The Italian summer-buy for Conte, Alonso, has cemented a place in the side for Chelsea and starting this game as a left wing-back.
Pedro:
The Spaniard has been in the best form since his move to Chelsea and he should start on the right-wing for Chelsea.
Eden Hazard:
Arguably the most influential playmakers in the league at the moment, Hazard, is expected to have a huge impact on the squad on the night at Anfield.
Diego Costa:
The Spanish striker is currently the highest goal scorer in the domestic league and will be the biggest threat for Liverpool on the night.