Huddersfield Vs Chelsea: Will Conte Receive Another Shocker?

West Ham apparently shocked Chelsea fans, as they dug deep to keep their win against Chelsea, despite a very poor run. Two teams in the relegation zone have beaten Chelsea this term, and it is unsure if newcomers, Huddersfield Town will also spring a surprise. They take on Chelsea by 9pm Nigerian time today.

Huddersfield Town have have no new injury concerns and welcome Rajiv van La Parra back from suspension and Michael Hefele (Achilles) to full training.

However, Chelsea striker Alvaro Morata is struggling with fatigue and a back problem and has been ruled out along with David Luiz (knee).

Huddersfield Town have won three of their last four Premier League home matches, with the only defeat in that run coming against leaders Manchester City.

The Terriers have won more points after 16 fixtures (18) than all three of the newly-promoted sides last term: Burnley (16), Middlesbrough (15) and Hull City (12).

John Smith’s Stadium could become the 50th stadium at which Chelsea have won a PL match, the fourth-highest total after Liverpool (53), Arsenal and Man Utd (both 50)

Eden Hazard has been involved in 99 PL goals (62 goals, 37 assists) and can become the fourth Chelsea player to reach a century of goal involvements after Frank Lampard (237), Didier Drogba (159) and Gianfranco Zola (101).

Sharing his thoughts on the game, Huddersfield coach, David Wagner said, “If there is a small gap open that we can use, then we will try and do everything to use it. It’s important, that if you want to stay up, that you collect points off the top six.”

Chelsea coach, Antonio Conte will have to find a different solution up front for their first Premier League meeting with the Terriers, though he has been boosted by the return to fitness of Danny Drinkwater, who missed the West Ham game though illness.

“He’s come with us, but for sure after three or four days with a fever, his physical condition is not at the top level.”

“David Luiz is continuing to recover from his knee problem. And Morata is out. He is a bit tired and he has a problem in his back.”

Huddersfield have adapted well to life in the top flight and their recent home record has been particularly impressive. They have won three of their last four at the John Smith’s Stadium, with the defeat in that time a narrow one against runaway leaders Manchester City. Conte is prepared for a tough test.

Conte said, “We are facing a team in a good moment of form. In the last game they played a great game against Brighton.”

“I don’t know which way they have prepared for the game against us. At the same time, we have to try to play our football. We must pay great attention to the counter-attack because they have fast players.”

“They are in a good moment of form and we must be very good to be more clinical in this game, because in the recent period we weren’t clinical.”

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