After a disappointing draw against Sam Allardyce’s Everton, Antonio Conte will hope that Chelsea can get back to winning ways against Brighton & Hove Albion in their boxing day fixture in the Premier League. With Alvaro Morata fit again, Antonio Conte is expected to use a 3-5-2 attacking formation which will see Eden Hazard play upfront with the Spaniard. With a hectic winter schedule, Conte is expected to rotate some of his players.
Chelsea Expected Starting Lineup against Brighton
Courtois – Cahill, Christensen, Azpilicueta – Alonso, Drinkwater, Kanté, Fàbregas, Zappacosta – Hazard, Morata
Cesc Fabregas is expected to start ahead of Danny Drinkwater and Kante in midfield. The Spaniard along with the returning Morata will be key in unlocking Brighton’s defence. Chelsea have suffered at times this season in trying to break down deep defences. The 3-5-2 formation allows Fabregas the freedom to unleash his creativity. Also with both Morata and Hazard playing around the box, opposition defenders have to be at their best to stop them.
Another option for Antonio Conte is to stick with the 3-4-3 formation which would mean that Hazard will start on the left and one of Pedro or Willian will start on the right. Fabregas will partner Kante or Drinkwater in the center of midfield which would leave them vulnerable to counter attacks. But Brighton is expected to sit back and not show much interest in attacking so Conte might get away with playing Fabregas in a 2 man midfield.
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