Maurizio Sarri’s men will be looking for nothing less than a win against the Lilywhites as they look to reduce the gap between themselves and trend-setters Liverpool and Manchester City.
The Blues will know however that they will face a tough task against Mauricio Pochettino’ side who have made their best start to a Premier League season.
Sarri is lucky in that he does not have any major injuries. Ethan Ampadu is the only player who will definitely not play a role in the game and it is likely that the youngster may not have played much of a role in the match even if he was fit.
Sarri will use the 4-3-3 system and this is how his team should line-up:
GK- Kepa Arrizabalaga
The young Spaniard will continue in goal.
CB- Antonio Rudiger
The German has so far flourished under Sarri.
CB- David Luiz
Luiz has also flourished under Sarri after struggling with inconsistency last season. He will be aiming to continue his solid defensive partnership with Rudiger.
RB- Cesar Azpilicueta
Azpilicueta is a leader within the Blues dressing room and has been in fine form so far this season.
LB- Marcos Alonso
Alonso will need to be able to track back well for this game as he will have to compete against some of the League’s best attackers.
DM- Jorginho
There is no doubt that Jorginho is one of Sarri’s favourites and he will be started.
CM- N’Golo Kante
Kante will almost certainly be starting and will be required to perform his duties as excellently as he usually does.
CM- Ross Barkley
Matteo Kovacic is still carrying a minor injury and so Barkley should start.
RW- Willian
Willian will likely partner Eden Hazard on the right wing.
LW- Eden Hazard
If Chelsea want to get the three points from the game, there is a strong chance that the influential Belgian will have to have a good game.
ST- Alvaro Morata
The former Real Madrid man did score a few goals before the international break. Blues fans will be hoping that he can maintain his confidence even though he did miss a sitter for Spain during the international break. But this is left with Sarri to determine whether starting Morata ahead of Olivier Giroud.
