Chelsea’s XI: Christensen and Caballero back in, Bakayoko back out

Antonio Conte is resting and rotating many of the players from Chelsea’s win over Liverpool, including man of the match Tiemoue Bakayoko and Thibaut Courtois. But Marcos Alonso remains in the starting XI, further obscuring the road ahead for Emerson Palmieri.

Antonio Conte’s rotations always seem to come with a catch, a hitch, something that just doesn’t make sense even while all the rest of it looks right and smart. Chelsea’s victory over Liverpool exhausted most of the players who went the full 90. As expected, Conte is starting the three forwards who did not start 72 hours ago. Alvaro Morata, Pedro and Willian will lead the line in a 3-4-3.

But behind the forwards, a few question marks hang over midfield. Tiemoue Bakayoko had his best game in Blue against the Reds. Rather than continue the momentum Bakayoko could take into the final two games, Conte has Bakayoko on the bench. Yes, Bakayoko is surely still recovering from Sunday, but so are N’Golo Kante Cesc Fabregas.

From a tactical perspective, Conte may think Cesc Fabregas’ ability to unlock a defence will be necessary against the tightly-packed and resolute Huddersfield Town. Huddersfield allowed Manchester City to control 80% of possession on Sunday. But in recent weeks, Fabregas has had a more transitional role in midfield instead of creating his trademark pass lanes when none would otherwise exist.

Perhaps even more troubling is the decision to play Marcos Alonso. Alonso, too, was very strong on Sunday and helped neutralize Mohamed Salah. But he needs a day off, and more importantly, Emerson Palmieri needs some starts. Emerson will not be starting in the season finale against Newcastle with everything on the line, nor in the FA Cup final against Manchester United. Today’s fixture was Emerson’s last chance for a start, and Antonio Conte denied it.

On form, Victor Moses has not justified his place in the starting XI over recent weeks. Davide Zappacosta, then, is starting at right wing-back. Conte may have selected Alonso to ensure he had one of his two regular wing-backs on the pitch. But with N’Golo Kante in midfield and Antonio Rudiger – Sunday’s other man of the match – at left-back, Emerson would have plenty of protection if he somehow needed it.

Andreas Christensen is finally back in the starting XI, raising the possibility he is in contention for either of the remaining games. Most likely Antonio Conte wanted to give him the vote of confidence as well as playing time against a non-attacking team in an important game. This will be key for next season, but will probably not sway Conte from sticking with Gary Cahill for Newcastle or the FA Cup.

Next: Predictions for Chelsea vs. Huddersfield as top-four moves within reach

Huddersfield may not have much possession or chances on Chelsea’s goal. But if they do, Willy Caballero will be there to keep things interesting and entertaining. Thibaut Courtois is not even on the bench, as Eduardo has the chance to dress up and see his name on the teamsheet.