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Confirmed teams and analysis for Chelsea’s clash with Leicester

By Ajitesh Rasgotra

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 23: Michy Batshuayi of Chelsea (L) celebrates scoring his sides third goal with Ruben Loftus-Cheek of Chelsea (R) during the EFL Cup second round match between Chelsea and Bristol Rovers at Stamford Bridge on August 23, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images )
LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 23: Michy Batshuayi of Chelsea (L) celebrates scoring his sides third goal with Ruben Loftus-Cheek of Chelsea (R) during the EFL Cup second round match between Chelsea and Bristol Rovers at Stamford Bridge on August 23, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images ) /
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With Chelsea and Leicester City preparing for their Third Round EFL Cup clash, the teams have been confirmed. Let’s see what changes have been made.

Chelsea and Leicester City face off at the King Power Stadium in under an hour. Here are the confirmed starting line-ups for Antonio Conte and Claudio Ranieri. Both were expected to make changes, but how different do the teams look?

Related Story: Chelsea midfield breakdown: Nemanja Matic can be replaced by youth

Conte has made a number of changes from the team that disappointingly lost to Liverpool. Given that this is the EFL Cup, it is not surprising.

Asmir Begovic comes in for Thibaut Courtois between the sticks. With the Belgian’s recent form and comments, Begovic may see this as a genuine opportunity to topple Chelsea’s number one.

In front of him is a refreshed four-man defence, with Gary Cahill wearing the captain’s armband. After putting in an average performance against Liverpool, David Luiz retains his position alongside him. Chelsea fans will desperately be hoping that their communication has improved from the other day.

Cesar Azpilicueta switches over to his natural right-back slot as Marcos Alonso makes his Chelsea debut. The Deadline Day signing is tipped to become a starter once he is settled in; tonight is an opportunity to confirm this.

Ahead of them is where Conte changes shape. Instead of the 4-1-4-1, the Blues appear to be running with a 4-4-2 formation. Victor Moses gets a start after some impressive cameo appearances off the bench while Pedro likely has his last chance to impress the boss on the opposite flank.

Nemanja Matic is retained to play alongside Cesc Fabregas. The Serbian will hopefully be more comfortable in a defensive role while his partner will need to grab this opportunity with two hands.

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A move that will please fans is the deployment of Michy Batshuayi. The Belgian has been Chelsea’s most exciting player and he will be partnered with Ruben Loftus-Cheek up front. Conte has stated that he sees the Englishman as a striker rather than a midfielder and this experiment continues this evening.

The likes of Eden Hazard and Diego Costa will be available on the bench should matters take a dive south.

On the other side of the pitch, Ranieri makes seven changes to the team that beat Burnley 3-0. Robert Huth and Christian Fuchs make way for Marcin Wasilewski and Ben Chilwell at the back. Danny Drinkwater is the only midfielder to retain his place in the front six.

However, all of the Leicester players who come in this evening are supremely talented. Furthermore, they will all see this as a chance to show their worth and prove to the world that Leicester aren’t reliant on a handful of star men.

With the likes of Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez on the sidelines, the Foxes’ bench is as strong as Chelsea’s.

What do you think of the teams? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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