Premier League leaders Chelsea travel to relegation-threatened Sunderland on Wednesday in search for their 10th straight win in the league. Antonio Conte’s men struggled to create clear goalscoringchances against West Bromwich Albion last weekend, but still managed to get the three points and will now be looking to extend their fantastic winning run at the Stadium of Light.
The congested Christmas period is almost upon us, which could lead to Antonio Conte experimenting with his starting eleven in certain games. Even though the game at Sunderland would be far from easy for Chelsea, Conte could decide to give Willian a place in the starting line-up, as Pedro’s efficiency levels have dropped a bit in the last couple of games.
Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois
The Belgium international kept a clean sheet last weekend for the eight timesince the start of the league season.
Central defenders: Gary Cahill, David Luiz and Cesar Azpilicueta
Chelsea’s defensive trio looked a bit shaky in the first half against West Bromwich, but improved after the break and once again played a major role in the Blues’ victory.
Right wing-back: Victor Moses
Moses wasn’t as involved in the team’s attacks against the Baggies as in previous games, but still had a decent game and deserves to stay in the starting eleven.
Central midfielders: N’Golo Kante and Nemanja Matic
West Bromwich Albion’s physicality made things difficult for Chelsea’s crucial midfield duo in the first half, but they established their dominance in midfield after the break and helped their team secure the valuable three points. Sunderland are likely to adapt the same physical and aggressive approach in midfield, so Kante and Matic would have to be focused and ready to get stuck in.
Left wing-back: Marcos Alonso
Alonso is one of the most reliable full-backs in the league and his inclusion into the starting eleven has been one of the main reasons behind Chelsea’s much-improved defensive record since the heavy defeat at Arsenal more than two months ago.
Right winger: Willian
The Brazilian winger hasn’t started a league game for Chelsea since their 2-0 win at Hull City on October 1st, but Pedro Rodriguez’s drop in form could lead to the former Shakhtar Donetsk player’s return to Conte’s starting eleven on Wednesday evening.
Left winger: Eden Hazard
Hazard didn’t have his best game against West Bromwich last weekend, but he’s still one of the most in-form players in the Premier League and will definitely start against Sunderland.
Striker: Diego Costa
The Premier League leading goalscorer was once again the hero for Chelsea last weekend, scoring the winner against West Bromwich in the 76th minute. Costa’s prolific form has been the main reason behind Chelsea’s spectacular winning run in the past couple of months.
Formation: 3-4-3
Via – Lineup Builder
