Premier League action returns tomorrow with the blues looking for their 5th successive victory after picking up 12 points from the opening 4 games. With Cardiff sitting 16th in the Premier League table and failing to secure a win with 2 defeats and 2 draws, it looks like a simple victory for Chelsea. However, it’s the Premier League, which means anything can happen.
The Facts:
- Maurizio Sarri could become the fourth manager ever in the Premier League to win his first 5 matches in the division.
- The Blues have won 10 of their last 12 fixtures against Cardiff.
- Pedro is expected to start this match, due to Willian’s debatable season and the fact the Spaniard has scored 3 goals in the Premier League already this campaign.
- Chelsea haven’t lost against a newly promoted side since losing to Bournemouth at home in 2015
Predicted lineup:
GK- Kepa- A reasonably stable beginning to life at Chelsea so far for the Spaniard. Hasn’t done anything too spectacular but hasn’t made any mistakes either. Not much competition with Courtois departure, and considering he has started the opening 4 fixtures, it’s highly likely it will continue in that fashion today.
RB- Azpi- Still adjusting to Sarri’s philosophy in my opinion. But he’s un-droppable.
CB- Rudiger- Brilliant start to the season for the German, and is slowly but surely becoming one of Chelsea’s best current players.
CB- Luiz- Still not sure how I feel about Luiz in this role, looked shaky and mistakes have been made. However, Sarri seems to favour him over Chelsea’s other available defenders.
LB- Alonso- Incredible start for Alonso under Sarri, he had many doubters when Maurizio joined the blues with people suggesting he couldn’t play the LB role. However, if the first 4 games are anything to go by, they are very wrong.
CM- Jorginho- The Italian has controlled the whole tempo of Sarri’s Chelsea side so far this season, and has slotted into his role with ease. A definite starter for the Blues later today.
CM- Kante- He’s Kante…
CM- Kovacic– Fans have mixed opinions on how Kovacic has performed so far at Chelsea. I believe he has had a good start. However, I would like to see him trying to break through opposition midfield more and trying to create more in the attacking aspect. With Kante and Jorginho being his partnering midfielders, Chelsea are crying out for an attacker who can link the midfield with the attack, and hopefully, this is what Kovacic will bring. I do expect him to start, considering he has done since regaining full fitness.
LW- Eden Hazard- Not too much reasoning behind this one, pretty self-explanatory.
RW- Pedro- Pedro has endured a perfect start to life under Sarri, scoring 3 goals in the opening 4 Premier League fixtures; averaging a goal every 88 minutes. My reasoning behind this is due to Willian not performing to a great standard so far this campaign.
ST- Morata– This one is tough, ever since Giroud joined Chelsea Morata’s starting place hasn’t looked particularly safe. So I will be choosing Alvaro simply down to the fact he’s started all 4 of the opening PL matches.
Score Prediction
Chelsea 3-0 Cardiff – I believe the Blues’ quality will prove too much for Cardiff.
