As suspected, Eden Hazard is not in Chelsea’s match-day squad for this afternoon’s fixture at Stoke. Willian and Pedro will support Diego Costa, with Nemanja Matic signalling defensive midfield tactics.
Antonio Conte opted to keep Cesc Fabregas in reserve, despite the Spaniard assisting on two of Chelsea’s four goals when these two sides met on New Year’s Eve. That fixture was a chaotic affair at Stamford Bridge. Conte may have chosen Nemanja Matic to keep things under control in the proverbial testing ground for cold, rainy games.
Conte trusts Willian and Pedro to provide enough speed, energy and creativity (however unfocused it may be at times) to compensate for Hazard’s absence and Fabregas’s exclusion. However, Stoke’s defensive mentality – both the residual from Tony Pulis and now under Mark Hughes – seems the perfect opportunity for Fabregas to unlock a defence and create opportunities behind the red-and-white striped wall.
Nathan Ake displaced John Terry from Chelsea’s bench for today’s match. There were no rumours this week of Terry being unavailable. However, Chelsea announced via Twitter moments ago that Terry has a minor injury.
Chelsea 11 v Stoke (3-4-3): Courtois; Azpilicueta, David Luiz, Cahill (c); Moses, Kante, Matic, Alonso; Willian, Diego Costa, Pedro. #STKCHE
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) March 18, 2017
John Terry’s absence may give Nathan Ake the opening he needs to become a regular part of the squad. Ake scored Bournemouth’s only goal against Stoke earlier this season. Ake added 15 clearances and two tackles in a man of the match performance for the Cherries.
Terry’s injury aside, Ake offers greater flexibility in case Victor Moses’ injury flares up during the game. Moses limped off against Manchester United on Monday. Rumours circulated throughout the week that Moses may be out for a prolonged period. But many of those sources originated from concerns that he would not be available for Nigeria in the upcoming international break.
Antonio Conte did not mention any serious concerns about Moses at yesterday’s press conference. If Moses has to come off early, either Zouma or Ake could take his place at right wing-back.
Chelsea have a very youthful bench for today’s fixture. Even without Eden Hazard and Cesc Fabregas, the Blues should be able to take a strong enough lead by halftime to allow some of the younger players to earn some minutes. While all hope is gone for Michy Batshuayi, Nathaniel Chalobah and Nathan Ake are more than capable of protecting a lead against Stoke.
Next: Eden Hazard's absence provides a chance for Chelsea to prove title credentials