Sometimes, weird stuff happens that we can’t explain, and Mundo Deportivo somehow getting their hands on Chelsea’s starting XI an hour before release is one of them.
At least, that’s what they’re claiming, reporting that Antonio Conte is expected to field a very standard team against Barcelona.
With Courtois in goal, the Italian is, unsurprisingly, sticking to his three at the back formation, choosing César Azpilicueta, Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rüidger, with Victor Moses and Marcos Alonso on either side to try and thwart Barcelona’s attacking threat.
N’Golo Kanté and Cesc Fabregas are expected to start in midfield, while Willian, Pedro and Eden Hazard will be in charge of running at the La Liga leader’s defence and try and get as big of a lead as possible before heading to Spain in three weeks time.
The strength of the opposition means the Italian is unable to rest anyone midweek despite having to face Manchester United at the weekend in what could be a vital fixture in the hunt for a spot in the top four come the end of the season.
