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

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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CB: David Luiz

This will be a massive test for Luiz. Not only will the Brazilian have to contend with the all round class of Harry Kane, but the ghosting runs of Dele Alli will require 90 minutes of resolute concentration.

If Luiz has a great game then Chelsea will likely come away with something.

CB: Antonio Rudiger

Chelsea will be hoping for another goliath performance from Rudiger. He will have his hands full trying to shackle Harry Kane, but there is no reason to doubt the German who has been rock solid of late.

Spurs has looked vulnerable from set pieces so far this season and both Rudiger and Luiz could be a threat at the other end.

CM: Jorginho

Spurs tireless attack will be nipping at his heels to try to thwart Chelsea’s wellspring of activity. The center of the park could be a bloodied battleground and Jorginho will be expected to contribute with a defensive shift.

CM: N’golo Kante

Chelsea fans rejoiced Friday morning as Kante signed a new deal. It’s hard not to love the humble Frenchman who is now tied down for another five years.

The diminutive midfield destroyer covers every blade of grass on the field no matter where he is deployed and his defensive contribution will be pivotal in keeping a lid on Tottenham’s potent attack.

CM: Mateo Kovacic

This one is still up in the air. Kovacic missed Croatia’s Nations League decider with England; however, the injury was said to only be minor and he has since trained with the Chelsea first team.

Either way it is not a major concern for Sarri; Ross Barkley or even Ruben Loftus-Cheek could slot in seamlessly and either could prove the game changer.