Eden Hazard has been declared fit for Chelsea’s trip to Middlesbrough and is expected to be part of Antonio Conte’s selected XI.
The international break arrived at the most inconvenient time for Chelsea manager Antonio Conte.
Not only was his side in full momentum after a stuttering start to the season, but whilst with their countries stars Eden Hazard and Diego Costa picked up injuries that threatened to keep them out of this Premier League clash with Middlesbrough.
Indeed, Chelsea’s previous match was certainly five star. The 5-0 demolition of Everton was Chelsea’s fifth win in a row and impressively their fifth consecutive clean sheet.
For the long trip to Middlesbrough’s Riverside Stadium, Chelsea are expected to name the same line-up; after Hazard and Costa were both declared fit for the game – meaning that they continue to be the first names on Conte’s team sheet.
The 3-4-3 system has re-energised both Hazard and Costa in recent weeks and had the added benefit of implementing the defensive structure that Conte strives for. The recent outstanding defensive record is testament to this.
Consequently, the back three of David Luiz, Cesar Azpilicueta and Gary Cahill are likely to play in front of Thibaut Courtois.
The evolution of Victor Moses looks set to continue as he should be deployed in his newfound role at right wing-back, with former Sunderland and Bolton man Marcos Alonso selected on the left.
N’Golo Kante and Nemanja Matic look set to hold their central midfield roles, with the aforementioned Hazard on the left of Conte’s attack. The opposite flank remains up for grabs. Present incumbent Pedro is expected to remain in the side, however Willian is available for selection and could be an option from the bench.
Here is the predicted Chelsea line-up in full, spearheaded by current Premier League top-scorer Diego Costa.
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