Chelsea will be looking to make amends after the debacle in their title defence opener against Burnley.
The Blue lost 3-2 at Stamford Bridge and also saw Cesc Fabregas and new club captain Gary Cahill sent off. The suspensions will add to the long list of players missing out due to injuries. Also, Chelsea have suffered in the transfer market finding it difficult to snap up their targets.
On Sunday they face a confident Spurs side who started with a 2-0 win against Newcastle United. This game has been fiercely contested in the past 2 seasons especially and here is what Chelsea is expected to throw at Tottenham in terms of their lineup:
Goalkeeper
Thibaut Courtois
The Belgian could be blamed for being late to react for Vokes’ first goal last Saturday but that does not warrant a change in personnel for this position. Courtois has established himself as Chelsea’s number one and will look to thwart Tottenham as The Blues seek to get their season back on track.
Defence
Cesar Azpilicueta (RCB)
The Spaniard started last week’s defeat in the right wing-back position owing to Moses’ suspension. With the Nigerian returning, Cesar will be expected to start in the back three where he impressed immensely last season. Dave, as he is fondly called, did not miss even a single minute of last season and will be hoping to repeat the success which he found in the process.
Andreas Christensen (CB)
The Academy graduate finally seems to have made his way into Chelsea’s first team set up. The man who impressed immensely during his loan spell at Borussia Monchengladbach will be eager to make an impression early in London. Christensen’s chance will come earlier than expected due to Cahill’s suspension and he will be relishing a chance to face Harry Kane.
Antonio Rudiger (LCB)
The German did not get off to the start he wanted to at Chelsea and will be extremely disappointed. He looked really determined in the second half against Burnley and will be hoping that Chelsea show up that side of their game rather than the one displayed in a forgettable first half.
Midfield
Victor Moses (RWB)
The Nigerian returns from a suspension he received as a result of a dive against Arsenal in the FA Cup final. He scored against Arsenal in the Community Shield and will be looking to add steel to a struggling Chelsea side.
N’Golo Kante (CM)
The former Leicester star will have a huge amount of responsibility after the departure of Nemanja Matic to Manchester United. Add to that, his replacement Tiemoue Bakayoko has not returned to full fitness and Cesc Fabregas will miss the game due to suspension. The Frenchman will have an enormous job on his hands in keeping the likes of Eriksen and Alli at bay.
David Luiz (CM)
The eccentric Brazilian will be used as the makeshift central midfielder. Luiz scored Chelsea’s second against Burnley and has shown in the past he can play in this position. He possesses all the skills needed to do well in this position. The former Benfica and PSG defender can dribble extremely well, can spread play, and is a good shooter from range. He will be striving hard to make sure Chelsea do not miss their regulars here.
Marcos Alonso (LWB)
The former Real Madrid player had a huge impact at Chelsea in his first season but there are fears over him being able to back it up in the second. He looked poor in preseason but was decent against Burnley at least in the attacking sense as he had 5 shots on goal, more than any other Chelsea player.
Attack
Willian (RAM)
He will have to provide more of the type of balls that he put in for Alvaro Morata’s goal. The Brazilian will have to be the creative hub for Chelsea as they miss Eden Hazard, Pedro, and Cesc Fabregas. He will look to run at defenders and stretch them.
Jeremie Boga (LAM)
His first start in English football was cut short because of a rash decision by his captain as he had to be sacrificed for Andreas Christensen. He will be hoping to vindicate Conte’s decision in promoting him in the first team but this will be a stern test of his qualities.
Alvaro Morata (ST)
Chelsea’s record signing did not start the first game as Conte did not deem him ready enough. But such was the impact of the Spaniard after coming on that he will definitely start this game. The Champions League winner scored and made a goal in his 31 minutes on the pitch and will be eager to win the fans over with a win at Wembley.
Chelsea are expected to line up in a 3-4-1-2 formation. Despite reports suggesting that Bakayoko has made himself available and Hazard has returned to full fitness, they will not be expected to start, however, the former could feature on the bench as The Blues look for their first win of the season.
