Chelsea recently completed the signing of the French international midfielder N’Golo Kante from the fellow English side Leicester City. The transfer is surely an amazing one, but a day before completing the deal, the Blues lost their first game of the pre-season friendlies against the Austrian side Rapid Vienna by a scoreline of two goals to nil.
Chelsea’s defence was split open in the 8th minute of the game as Vienna’s forward Apolinario de Lira who opened the scoring for his side. Eight minutes before the end of the game, the 31-year-old Spanish striker Correa Miranda gave Vienna a breather and the game finished 2-0.
The next stop for the Blues is the Worthersee Stadion, Klagenfurt, where they will face the Austrian side RZ PELLETS. After a shocking defeat to Rapid Vienna, Conte’s men will be looking to bolster their confidence up. The new signing is expected to feature in the next game and therefore, the score might improve.
There is no doubt that Chelsea’s job is a tough task and to prove the critics wrong, Conte will be working like a horse this time. So, here is the predicted lineup for Chelsea, that could face RZ PELLETS this Wednesday:
Goalkeeper: Begovic-
The 29-year-old shot-stopper did nothing wrong in the last game, but thanks to the haulers from the defence, he was exposed twice. With Courtois still on the vacation, Begovic is expected to feature yet again for the Blues.
Defence: Ivanovic; Terry; Djilobodji; Ola Aina-
With no real right back available, Ivanovic might feature yet again. The centre back pairing is expected to be the same. Terry had an average game last time out, while Djilobodji convinced Chelsea’s spectators. On the left side, the 19-year-old Ola Aina might get his chance to start the game as Baba Rahman failed to deliver what was expected.
Holding midfielders: Kante; Matic-
The new arrival in the club N’Golo Kante will be looking to mark his presence with a positive impact and for this, the game against RZ PELLETS is the perfect stage. Alongside Kante, the Serbian international Nemanja Matic, who gave a pretty performance last time out could feature as well.
Attacking Trio: Willian; Loftus Cheek; Moses-
Chelsea’s player of the past season is unarguably the most precious possession for the side and it is safe to say that he provides his team the rhythm. The Brazilian attacker is a sure starter in the next game. On the other hand, Ruben Loftus-Cheek might get his chance yet again to shine under the new manager. On the right-hand side, the 25-year-old Nigerian international, who gave a wonderful performance last time out could feature yet again.
Striker: Diego Costa-
The Brazilian-born Spanish international needs to calm his nerves a bit, and if he manages to do that, the striker could become one of the best in the business. He is expected to lead the attack for the Blues.