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Chelsea’s probable starting XI vs Tottenham: Pedro gets the nod

By Karl Harrington

LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 01: Eden Hazard of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge on April 1, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 01: Eden Hazard of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge on April 1, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images) /
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Chelsea’s predicted starting eleven for their trip to Wembley to take on Tottenham this Saturday evening.

Chelsea remains the only unbeaten team in Europe; but its mettle will truly be tested on Saturday by its London rivals. There is no love lost between the two sides and this one usually proves a blood and thunder affair.

Tottenham lie just a single point behind Maurizio Sarri’s men. They might not be playing great football, but are churning out the victories and will certainly be fired up the for this one.

Here is Chelsea’s likely starting eleven.

GK: Kepa Arrizabalaga

Kepa may be Spain’s new number one after the latest round of international fixtures. The stopper was given his chance against Bosnia last Sunday and, unsurprisingly to the Chelsea faithful, kept a clean sheet.

At just 24 years-of-age, it could be the start of a long career between the sticks with La Roja; and Chelsea fans will hope that coincides with a successful reign at The Bridge.

He has barely put a foot wrong for The Blues thus far, but will face danger from every angle versus Spurs – especially if Harry Kane has his shooting boots on.

RB: Cesar Azpilicueta

Dele Alli has terrorized Chelsea’s balkline in the past and usually targets the space between Azpilicueta and a center back. The Spaniard hasn’t looked over assured at the back recently and will need to raise his game here.

He will be grateful of N’golo Kante’s presence up ahead to deal with an industrious Tottenham attack.

LB: Marcos Alonso

Alonso has had a decent rest since his last outing and could play a pivotal part on Saturday. Tottenham can be vulnerable down its right flank and the Spaniard’s marauding runs forward and dovetailing with Eden Hazard could be Chelsea’s best route to the back of the net.

But Spurs can be just as lethal in attack. Whether it’s Lucas Moura, Christian Eriksen, or even Moussa Sissoko who motored past Benjamin Mendy on a couple of occasions, Alonso will have to be tuned in and positionally astute throughout the full 90.

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