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Hazard to continue as the striker? – Predicted Chelsea XI to face Arsenal

Chelsea face a real test of their top four credentials with a trip to the Emirates on Saturday. The Blues defeated Arsenal in the earlier meeting between the two sides but we have not been convincing in recent games.

Maurizio Sarri’s men lie just six points ahead of Arsenal in the fourth Champions League spot, and we also have a Carabao Cup second leg semi-final against Tottenham on Thursday.

Sarri has more or less played the same XI in every Premier League game, and the only change might be up top with the Italian sticking with Eden Hazard as the striker.

The Blues need to pick up the three points at the Emirates, and here is the predicted line-up for Chelsea.

Predicted Chelsea XI

Formation: 4-3-3

Manager: Maurizio Sarri

Kepa Arrizabalaga (GK)

Kepa has had his ups and downs at Chelsea in his first season at the club, and he needs to have a great game to keep the likes of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang out.

Cesar Azpilicueta (RB)

The Spanish defender has to be in top form as he would face the likes of Aubameyang or even Alex Iwobi attacking him.

David Luiz (CB)

Luiz possibly has been one of the most consistent players under Sarri, and it is tough seeing any Chelsea Premier League XI without the Brazilian.

Antonio Rudiger

Antonio Rudiger (CB)

The German has done a pretty good job this season but has to have a stellar game against a tough Arsenal side.

Marcos Alonso (LB)

The left-back hasn’t been at his best this season, but he could repeat his feat from the previous meeting as he scored the winner in August.

N’Golo Kante (CM)

The French midfielder will be one of the keys in us defeating the Gunners, and he seems to be making a few runs into the opposition box too.

Jorginho (CM)

The Italian is another player that needs to have a quality game, and if he is shackled by the Gunners, our game-plan will be severely affected.

Mateo Kovacic (CM)

The Croatian midfielder needs to have a great game if we are to beat the Gunners, and hopefully, he performs well at the Emirates at the weekend.

Pedro (LW)

Pedro has blown hot and cold this season, but he did score in this tie earlier in the season and needs a goal to boost his morale for the remainder of the campaign.

Eden Hazard (ST)

It is tough seeing Hazard being played as the striker or False 9, but we cannot trust Alvaro Morata up top either, so Sarri must continue this experiment.