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Premier League 2018/19: Chelsea’s expected lineup vs Cardiff City

Rishabh Gupta
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Chelsea's expected lineup vs Cardiff City

TheSportsRush brings Chelsea’s expected lineup vs Cardiff City as Maurizio Sarri’s side aims to continue the winning run this season.

Maurizio Sarri’s football philosophy, ‘Sarri-ball,’ has been well-adapted by Chelsea so far. They still look sloppy in defence, and Sarri needs to find a perfect balance for high-press and high-line.

After heading to the international break with a perfect record in the league, the Blues return to Stamford Bridge as they host Cardiff City. Cardiff faces a tough challenge in the Premier League, as four of their six upcoming games are against top-six sides of 2017/18 campaign.

They posed a tough fight against Unai Emery’s Arsenal, where they showed immense character in coming back twice into the match. However, they conceded a late goal to Alexandre Lacazette which made the difference in the end.

As Chelsea takes another step towards closing-in with Liverpool for the first position in the table, theSportsRush takes a look at their expected lineup.

Goalkeeper: Kepa Arrizabalaga

The Spanish new recruit has so far been solid for Chelsea, and is likely to continue in front of the goal.

Defence: Azpilicueta, Rudiger, Luiz, Alonso

Even though the defence has struggled with ‘Sarri-ball’ so far, the Italian manager would want his players to adapt to his philosophy and field the same defensive line-up against Cardiff City.

Also read: Premier League 2018/19: Manchester United’s expected lineup vs Watford

Midfield: Jorginho, Kovacic, Kante

N’Golo Kante seems to have assumed his new role quite efficiently in the middle of the pitch. The French midfielder, who played in a more defensive position under Antonio Conte, now makes penetrative runs into opposition’s half under Maurizio Sarri. With him, Jorginho and Kovacic make an effective midfield trio.

Forward: Willian, Morata, Hazard

Alvaro Morata could still keep his position as first-choice forward against Cardiff City. The Spanish forward may have not impressed the Blues so far, but Sarri might give him  an opportunity in a relatively easier game. Willian and Hazard will continue on either wings.

EXPECTED LINEUP:

About the author

Rishabh Gupta

Rishabh Gupta

A sports enthusiast. Sports, I believe, is one of the few powers which help us grow, both as an individual and society. With each day, in the rich world of sports, I grow.

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