Capital One Cup: How will Chelsea lineup against Tottenham in the Final

Capital One Cup Match Preview:

Leading to the buildup of this game, Chelsea were handed a nightmare as the Serbian Nemanja Matic was banned for 3 matches. Having played 25 games for the Blues this season, Matic is the most improved player for Chelsea this season. Thus, in addition to the fight against referees which Jose Mourinho has started, it will be a test of his tactics that how he will replace the player that has been otherwise regarded as irreplaceable for the Blues.

Here is how Chelsea are expected to lineup against Tottenham in the Capital One Cup final: –

Thibaut Courtois

While many would refer to Diego Costa and Cesc Fabregas for the up-lift of Chelsea this season, Thibaut Courtois has been the major reason of them playing the Final. With his crucial saves against Liverpool in both the legs of Semi-final which Chelsea managed to win, Courtois has been a contender of being named as the Man of the Tournament for this competition.

Branislav Ivanovic

After being the match-winner for Chelsea in that Semi-final against Liverpool, Ivanovic would be hoping to go one better against the local rivals Spurs. Having scored 5 goals for Chelsea already, Ivanovic has been a force for them in attack as well as in the defense. He will start on the right full-back role.

Kurt Zouma

Although Zouma is inferior in experience to the veteran Gary Cahill, the Frenchman is expected to take a nod ahead of the Englishman. Last time when both these sides met, Gary Cahill was run-riot by the likes of Harry Kane which left Chelsea 5 goals down. Thus, with Zouma having pace as well as power at his peril, he can start the match right from the 1st whistle.

Cesar Azpilicueta

Having made 20 appearances for Chelsea this season with 4 assists to his name, Azpilicueta is expected to retain his position coming from the mid-week tie against Paris Saint Germain.

Ramires

While many positives cannot be attributed to the fact about the injury of Matic, Ramires can prove to be a blessing in disguise in the Chelsea midfield. With pace under his belt, Ramires would be a perfect match for Christian Eriksen.

Cesc Fabregas

Being the top assist maker for any team in the Premier League, Tottenham would have to keep out Cesc Fabregas if they want to stand any chance of getting the accolade. Since returning from his injury a fortnight ago, Fabregas has already notched a single assist to his name thus providing a glimpse of his productivity.

Willian

With the pace that Tottenham have at their peril, Willian might get a nod to start in the right wing role. Having made 25 appearances for the Blues this season, Willian has been a consistent member for the Chelsea XI this season.

Oscar

With Oscar, Willian and Ramires in the Chelsea starting lineup on Sunday, Tottenham might get the taste of their own medicine on Sunday. Although they have terrorized Premier League defenses with their pace of late, the likes of Eriksen and Harry Kane would have a tough 90 minutes.

Eden Hazard

Being the Premier League’s best at his particular position, Eden Hazard will face an interesting competition with Kyle Walker against him. In comparison to Danny Rose who has been a weak-link to Tottenham’s defenses of late, Kyle Walker has been upto his game and thus, this poses an interesting cameo between two of the Premier League’s fastest players.

Diego Costa

Since returning from his suspension that kept him out for 3 matches, the Spaniard is looking a bit wayward. However, like a blessing in disguise for the Spaniard, a high-pressure game would be perfect to get his confidence back and running.

Chelsea Vs Tottenham will take place at the Wembley Stadium, on 1st March at 17:00 GMT
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Capital One Cup: How will Chelsea lineup against Tottenham in the Final