3-4-3 Formation, Courtois Out In Chelsea’s Probable Line vs Swansea

The Premier League returns this weekend, and league leaders Chelsea will face Swansea City.

The Stamford Bridge club in their last PL game against Burnley, could only earn a single point following their 1-1 draw at Turf Moor. The West London club will however be looking to earn all three points against the Swans when they meet on Sunday.

As things stands now, Chelsea are eight points ahead of their closest rivals Manchester City. Pep Guardiola’s men won’t be playing this weekend. They should have face Manchester United, but the game was postponed because United will be facing Southampton in the EFL Cup final on Saturday.

And as far as Chelsea’s team news is concerned, every outfield player is currently fit for Conte. Nevertheless, PhysioRoom reported that first choice goalie Thibaut Courtois is ill and may miss the Swansea game.

And in the absence of Courtois,  second-choice goalkeeper Asmir Begovic is expected to return to the starting lineup for the league leaders.

Since there are no suspension concerns for Chelsea, the supporters can expect Antonio Conte to start with his strongest side.

Here is Chelsea’s strongest possible 3-4-3 XI against Swansea:

Goalkeeper: Begovic

Defenders: Cahill, Luiz, Azpilicueta,

Midfielders: Alonso, Matic, Kante, Moses

Forwards: Hazard, Costa, Pedro.

Conte Sends Message To Former Chelsea Manager

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte heaps praise on former Chelsea coach and current Bayern Munich boss Carlo Ancelotti ahead of his 1,000th game as a football manager

Conte followed in the footsteps of Ancelotti after the ex-AC Milan boss managed Chelsea between 2009 and 2011.

Ancelotti won both the Premier League and FA Cup crowns in his first season at Stamford Bridge in 2010.

The West London club turned to Conte as their new coach in May after they finished in tenth place in the Premier League last term.

And speaking at his pre-match media conference on Friday afternoon ahead of their home game against Swansea City this weekend, Conte was asked to comment on Ancelotti’s managerial career ahead of Ancelotti’s 1,000th game.

“It is a great achievement for Carlo. For me he is a great friend. He was my manager at Juventus, and now he is the best Italian coach, one of the best in the world,”

“One thousand games – it is not easy to stay on the bench and at this level, and at these great teams with responsibility to win every game.“

“For sure his career is great. I hope to try to go close to his career!” Conte said.