Chelsea’s miserable run of form continued during mid-week after Antonio Conte’s side scraped their way past Championship side Norwich to make it through to the FA Cup fourth round.
The Blues took the controversy filled tie on penalties after ending 120 minutes worth of football with the score 1-1, meaning they have now drawn four games on the bounce – the former three of those being goalless draws at Norwich, Arsenal and Leicester respectively.
After a hectic Christmas period, a dip in form is understandable (hell, even Manchester City lost last week), so perhaps it’s time for an injection of fresh blood into the Chelsea line-up.
The Blues travel to Brighton this afternoon, and here at Chelsea News, we thin Antonio Conte should turn to these three players at the Amex Stadium, agree?
Michy Batshuayi
The out-of-favour Belgian was on-hand to score the opener for Chelsea in mid-week, his tenth this season and Chelsea’s first in over 330 minutes of football. His total for the season puts him only two behind top scorer Alvaro Morata, who is struggling for form as of late having not found the net in six appearances.
Consistently overlooked but with Morata suspended, Batshuayi could, and should, be given the nod to lead to line at the Amex.
Kenedy
Batshuayi was the scorer at Stamford Bridge against Norwich, but is was a piece of brilliance out-wide from Kenedy that laid the ball on a plate for the Belgian. The Brazilian, who has yet to make an appearance in the league this season, was the Blues’ outstanding player in mid-week, causing the Canaries defence trouble all night.
Normally utilised as a wing-back, Kenedy is almost certainly at his best going forward. His pace and sublime skill make him an ideal fit for a Chelsea front three.
Ross Barkley
Whether or not new signing Ross Barkley will be fit to this afternoon’s trip remains to be seen, however one thing is for sure – Chelsea’s midfield needs an injection of energy.
Tiemoue Bakayoko has been sub-standard this season, and lacks creativity in the final third, while Danny Drinkerwater – although excellent this campaign so far – is also too defensively minded to sit alongside N’golo Kante. At £15 million, Barkley could be the steal of the season.