Predicted Chelsea XI to face Spurs in the Carabao Cup
Chelsea suffered a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Arsenal in the London derby on Saturday and the Blues will be looking to bounce back when they face Tottenham Hotspur in a must-win clash in the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final on Thursday night.
The Blues went down 1-0 in the first leg at Wembley as Harry Kane gave the Lilywhites a slender advantage heading into the second leg.
Maurizio Sarri accused his players of lacking the mentality to compete at the highest level following their surrender at Arsenal last week and the pressure will be on the Blues to respond against a Spurs unit that is currently blighted with injuries.
Team News
Chelsea will be expecting to secure a deal for Gonzalo Higuain but they will need to register him before 12 p.m on Wednesday if they are to use him against Spurs. Ruben Loftus-Cheek remains on the sidelines with a lower back problem.
Manager: Maurizio Sarri
Formation: 4-3-3
Predicted XI
1. Kepa Arrizabalaga (GK)
The Spaniard wasn’t at fault for either of the goals that the team conceded against Arsenal and he has always been a reliable presence between the sticks.
2. Cesar Azpilicueta (RB)
The veteran has been a solid presence at the back all season and he will have a big role to play on Thursday.
3. David Luiz (CB)
The Brazilian has been pretty consistent with his performances at the heart of the defence and has played some exquisite passes to set up attacks from the back.
4. Antonio Rudiger (CB)
He has been one of the first names on Sarri’s team sheet this season and should be amongst the starters for this one as well.
5. Marcos Alonso (LB)
He has come under criticism for his lacklustre performances in the last few months and Chelsea will need him to rise to the occasion.
6. Jorginho (CM)
The Italian has been pretty shambolic in recent weeks and he really needs to step up his game on Thursday night.
7. Ross Barkley (LAM)
Mateo Kovacic didn’t make much of an impact against Arsenal so Sarri might hand the Englishman a start.
8. N’Golo Kante (RAM)
He has always been a key figure in the midfield for the Blues and a lot will depend on how he plays on Thursday.
9. Pedro (RW)
The Spaniard has been a useful presence up front for the Blues with his pace, strength and trickery.
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10. Willian (LW)
The Brazilian struggled to make an impact against Arsenal but Sarri is likely to rely on him for the must-win game.
11. Eden Hazard (ST)
The Belgian is likely to spearhead the attack once again if Higuain doesn’t make it in time for the Carabao Cup tie.
