After an impressive 4-1 victory over Peterborough in the FA Cup, the next test for Antonio Conte is a game against reigning Premier League champions Leicester City…

Though the Claudio Ranieri-led side have not been as impressive as they were last season, the threat that the Foxes possess is very real, and Antonio Conte must ensure that he prepares efficiently.

677231

With regards to team news, Antonio Conte looks likely to have nearly a full squad available to him, barring any training injuries between now and the game, with John Terry the only notable absentee – following his dismissal in the FA Cup tie against Peterborough.

The return of Kurt Zouma will be a welcome boost for Antonio Conte, given that the Frenchman has been unavailable since last February following a long-term injury layoff. Conte will also have Nathan Ake available for selection, given that the Dutchman was recently recalled from his loan spell at Bournemouth.

Despite a couple of players being available once again for Conte, the Italian is expected to pick a relatively recognisable team, given that his side have performed well over the last few weeks. A few tough decisions, most notably in the attack, will cause problems for Conte, though, with the trio of Willian, Pedro and Eden Hazard vying for just 2 attacking spots.

With that said, this is the 3-4-3 Chelsea XI that Conte could pick to beat Leicester City…

 GK – Thibaut Courtois

Thibaut Courtois is Chelsea’s undisputed number 1, and whilst Asmir Begovic looked good in mid-week – the Belgian will likely come back into the side on Saturday.

He looked really good against Tottenham, and will need to repeat that performance.

 CB – Gary Cahill

Gary Cahill has enjoyed a decent run over the last few months, and he needs to continue to impress.

Nathan Ake has returned, and his place is coming under increasing scrutiny.

 CB – David Luiz

David Luiz has struggled in recent weeks, and he really needs to pick it up against the Foxes.

If he isn’t fit, which he clearly hasn’t been in recent weeks, then Kurt Zouma should come in.

 CB – Cesar Azpilicueta

Cesar Azpilicueta continues to impress in the heart of the defence, and will likely return to the team.

He is always consistent.

 LWB – Marcos Alonso

Marcos Alonso is a reliable hand on the left-hand side, and he will always look to threaten down the wing.

He should get a decent number of opportunities going forward.

 DM – N’Golo Kante

N’Golo Kante is always going to play when he’s fit, and this game is no exception.

He’ll be coming up against his old side, and so will want to impress.

 DM – Cesc Fabregas

Cesc Fabregas and Nemanja Matic will fight over this spot, but Leicester City are likely to sit back and defend – so playing Cesc Fabregas makes sense.

He has played well in recent weeks and deserves to play.

 RWB – Victor Moses

Victor Moses had a rest at the weekend, and considering how much he has played lately – he should come back rejuvenated.

An expert defensively and threatening offensively – Moses is only going to get better and better.

 LW – Eden Hazard/Willian

This is a tough call for Conte.

Eden Hazard hasn’t been as good as Willian in recent weeks, but we all know what the Belgian can bring to the side when he’s on form.

The duo of Pedro and Willian did well together in the FA Cup, but Conte will have to decide who to play on the night.

 ST – Diego Costa

Michy Batshuayi did well in the absence of Diego Costa, but the Spaniard is surely going to come back in against Leicester City.

Costa has been on fire this season, and when the Spaniard plays – goals are sure to follow.

Look out for Batshuayi to come on as a sub.

 RW – Pedro

Pedro was in stunning form against Peterborough, picking up a couple of goals and proving to Antonio Conte that he simply cannot be ignored.

Conte has really brought the best out of the Spaniard, and at this point – he is undroppable.

Loading ...