Cardiff City v Chelsea Line-Ups: Sarri Makes 2 Key Changes

Chelsea hope to close in on the top four with a win over Cardiff City on Sunday afternoon.

I don't think there is too much doubt over who will start in goal as Kepa Arrizabalaga is expected to keep his place.

Antonio Rudiger will continue alongside David Luiz in the middle of the defence with Cesar Azpilicueta certain to remain at right-back as Davide Zappacosta struggling with an ankle injury.

Jorginho is certain to keep his place in the deep-lying playmaker role while N'Golo Kante is also sure of his place in Sarri's starting eleven so there is one midfield place up for grabs.

Ross Barkley has been seeing plenty of game-time lately but I think we could see Mateo Kovacic given a recall against Cardiff.

Eden Hazard is certain to keep his place. Gonzalo Higuain will be keen to register against Cardiff if he's selected to lead the lineup front ahead of Olivier Giroud.

Willian is also competing for a place in attack but I think Pedro will keep his place alongside Hazard and Higuain.

Cardiff City v Chelsea Pre Match Insights

Cardiff have lost all three of their Premier League matches against Chelsea, with their only previous meeting at the Cardiff City Stadium coming in May 2014, losing 1-2.
Chelsea have won seven of their last nine matches against Cardiff in all competitions (D1 L1), with their only defeat in this sequence coming at Ninian Park in the League Cup third round in October 1986 under John Hollins.
Cardiff City have won 71% of their Premier League points this season in home games (20/28) – only Fulham have a higher percentage (88%).
Chelsea have lost only one of their 17 Premier League games against Welsh opposition (W12 D4), losing 0-1 at Swansea City in April 2016 under Guus Hiddink.
Cardiff have lost their last 16 Premier League games against the ‘big six’ sides, last avoiding defeat in November 2013, drawing 2-2 against Manchester United.

Cardiff City v Chelsea Line-Ups

Cardiff City (4-2-3-1) Line Up