After suffering a narrow 3-2 defeat against the Champions League winner Real Madrid, Antonio Conte’s men will now be travelling to the US Bank stadium, which holds the capacity of 73,000, to face the Italian giants AC Milan.
Chelsea conceded three first half goals against the Galacticos as Marcelo, Real Madrid’s left back, scored twice and the 23-year-old youngster Mariano gave his side the comfort. It seemed like the Galacticos will be cruising their way to a comfortable victory, but the arrival of Chelsea’s dangerman Eden Hazard changed the course of the game as he managed to score a brace.
Milan, on the other hand, faced a heavy 2-0 defeat against Liverpool last time out as Liverpool’s forwards Divock Origi and Roberto Firmino marked their names on the score sheet. Milan, so far, have only played 2 pre-season fixtures and have won 1 and lost one, while Chelsea have played 4 pre-season games, in which, they have won two and have lost two, so it is safe to say that we might witness a nail-biting encounter, so here, we give you a predicted lineup for Antonio Conte’s Chelsea, that could face AC Milan with full throttle.
Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois-
Antonio Conte started the previous game with Asmir Begovic, but the Bosnian professional proved very sloppy in the position. In the second half, the Italian introduced team’s number one keeper Thibaut Courtois and the Belgian did what he is known for. He was far better than his counterpart and hence, the manager might go with the 24-year-old against Milan.
Defenders: Ola Aina; Terry; Cahill; Azpilicueta-
Chelsea’s 19-year-old full-back Ola Aina is proving himself game after game and it seems like the manager might trust him in the Premier League fixtures as well. Aina, who can operate the game from both the flanks is naturally a right back and he gave a pretty good performance against Madrid. Yes, he was exposed many times, but that thing will only improve if given a proper game time.
The centre-back pairing was totally exposed in the first half of the game, but a complete trust of the manager, allowed the English pair to play the full 90 minutes of the game, and even against Milan, the pair is expected to start the game. Terry, who was overwhelmed after playing in front of the biggest ever crowd to watch a Chelsea match, was often caught off the pace, but alongside Cahill, he gave a pretty good performance.
It is understood that Chelsea’s left-back Baba Rahman is close to join Schalke on a season-long loan, hence, the manager will surely go with the Spanish defender Cesar Azpilicueta for the left spot.
Holding midfielders: Kante; Fabregas-
Chelsea’s new signing N’Golo Kante has joined his new team-mates in the training, and the France international might get his debut for the side in the upcoming fixture. Looking at the 25-year-old’s recent form, it is safe to say that he can easily surpass Nemanja Matic for the spot.
With Kante playing a defensive role, the manager might use Cesc Fabregas, who missed Real’s game due to his red card he received against Liverpool.
Attacking Trio: Cuadrado; Willian; Hazard-
Both Hazard and Cuadrado came on as substitutes against Real Madrid and both gave a positive display, hence, the manager might think of starting the game with full throttle. Cuadrado might start the game on the right flank, while Hazard will be on his usual left wing spot, and as both the wingers will be trying to exploit the defence, the Brazilian attacker, Willian, will stand his ground as an attacking midfielder.
Striker: Michy Batshuayi-
The new arrival for the Stamford Bridge outfit also came on as a sub last time out and gave a glimpse of what kind of damage he can deliver.