It’s newly-promoted Huddersfield Town next for Antonio Conte’s side as they head to Yorkshire on Tuesday evening. After the defeat at the London Stadium on Saturday, the Blues will be wanting to put that poor result right with a win against the Terriers as David Wagner and Antonio Conte lock horns for the very first time. After Manchester City’s win against United on Sunday, the title is as good as gone for Chelsea but that result also meant Jose Mourinho’s side didn’t move further in front of Chelsea. A win against Huddersfield would bring the Blues level with United for 24 hours at least.
Team News
Danny Drinkwater is a doubt after missing the trip to West Ham through illness and David Luiz is expected to miss another match through a knee injury. Alvaro Morata and Marcos are one booking from suspension but Conte isn’t considering resting either of them for this one. Huddersfield have Rajiv Van La Parra back from suspension and the tricky winger should slot straight back into the starting eleven.
Key Battles
Huddersfield are likely to sit back and play on the counter attack like they did against both Manchester clubs earlier in the season. That means Chelsea’s attacking threats are going to have to be at their creative best if they’re going to break this solid defence down. Jonathan Hogg has been especially impressive of late and his battle in midfield with Cesc Fabregas will be vital. The likes of Andreas Christensen and Cesar Azpilicueta will have to be very aware of Steve Mounie, the Benin striker has returned from injury and got back to the sort of form he’d shown at the start of the season. Aaron Mooy is Huddersfield’s playmaker so when they get the ball, which won’t be that often, N’Golo Kante and Tiemoue Bakayoko will have to stifle any service that is provided by him to Mounie or the other Huddersfield attackers.
Chelsea’s record against Huddersfield
This is the first time they’ve met in the Premier League and the first time they’ve met in the league since 1984 where both teams were in the Second Division. Chelsea ran out 3-1 winners at home to Huddersfield on that day with goals from Kerry Dixon (2) and David Speedie. The Terriers actually have the better record against the Blues with 26 wins in all competitions but a win for Chelsea on Tuesday would draw them level. The last time these two met was in the FA Cup in 2008 where goals from Frank Lampard (2) and Salomon Kalou sent Chelsea into the quarter-finals with a 3-1 at Stamford Bridge. Carlo Cudicini was in goal for that game and will be involved again on Tuesday as part of Antonio Conte’s backroom staff.
With Manchester City, Manchester United, Tottenham and Liverpool all expected to win their midweek fixtures, it’ll be vital for Chelsea to take all three points back from the John Smith’s Stadium in order to keep themselves near the top of the Premier League table.