Boring, boring Chelsea. Boring, boring lineup. Same old, same old.
It might sound like I’m complaining, but really, this is a good thing. Over the past month, Chelsea have developed a clear first-choice lineup and that clear first-choice lineup has been getting amazing results. Everyone seems to be playing very well, from the forwards on down to the goalkeeper. This may not be great for the players on the outside looking in — the likes of Willian, Oscar, Fabregas, et al. would be nailed on starters for most teams — but for Chelsea, as long as we keep winning, this is quite ideal.
It does make for boring predicted lineup posts unfortunately.
The one question about the lineup, I suppose, for Sunday’s game at Middlesbrough is who to start at center forward. If Diego Costa is carrying even a hint of a groin injury, I’d certainly prefer Michy Batshuayi to get the start. Now, to be clear, I don’t think that’s going to happen — Costa isn’t one to willingly sit things out and Conte likes to not mess with things that are working — but I would prefer it if it did. If Costa is 100% fit, then there’s no need to change obviously.
3-4-3:
Courtois | Cahill, David Luiz, Azpilicueta | Alonso, Matic, Kante, Moses | Hazard, Costa, Pedro
Unsurprisingly, the WAGNH community’s preferred lineup is exactly the same once again. Costa wins his race with Michy 56-44. So much synergy, it’s ridiculous.
3-4-3:
Courtois (98%) | Cahill (88%), David Luiz (99%), Azpilicueta (98%) | Alonso (99%), Matic (91%), Kante (99%), Moses (96%) | Hazard (97%), Costa (56%), Pedro (88%)