For Maurizio Sarri and his Chelsea side, the very next match is the easiest Premier League fixture of all, at least on paper. They’ll host Huddersfield Town, the absolute bottom side and a near lock to be relegated, on the weekend. It’s the perfect match to be preparing for right now, given the disaster that unfolded yesterday at the Vitality Stadium.
Chelsea went into the half at Bournemouth knotted up in a goalless stalemate. They then surrendered four goals in the second half, the most conceded in a half of Premier League competition since 1996. Afterward, Sarri spoke to his team for almost an hour, before then doing his mandatory media availability. What’s really unique though is how he met with his players without the presence of his backroom staff.
The Italian told the media that he asked his players to explain what had just happened, but he didn’t get any real answers. The good news for Sarri is that his team has no new fresh injury concerns.
On the other side, Huddersfield could still be without their two best midfielders for match. Philip Billing is a major doubt and Aaron Mooy may only be fit enough for the bench. It looks like yet another long afternoon is in store for the Terriers. Sarri should drop Jorginho, and especially David Luiz given their miserable performances last night, but it’s likely not going to happen.
The Bank Chelsea FC Starting XI Prediction 4-3-3 vs Huddersfield Town
Forwards: Eden Hazard, Gonzalo Higuain, Willian
Midfielders: Ross Barkley, Jorginho, N’Golo Kante
Defenders: Marcos Alonso, David Luiz, Antonio Rudiger, Cesar Azpilicueta
Goalkeeper: Kepa Arrizabalaga
Chelsea FC vs Huddersfield Town FYIs
Kickoff: Saturday, February 2, 3pm local, Stamford Bridge
Odds via Bet365: Chelsea 1/6, draw 13/2, Huddersfield 12/1
Google Result Probability: Chelsea win 81 %, draw 13%, Huddersfield 6%
Prediction: Chelsea 3, Huddersfield 0
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net, which is partnered with News Now. Banks, a former writer for NBC Chicago.com and Chicago Tribune.com, regularly appears as a guest pundit on WGN CLTV and co-hosts the “Let’s Get Weird, Sports” podcast on SB Nation.
He also contributes sociopolitical essays to Chicago Now. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram. The content of his cat’s Instagram account is unquestionably superior to his.