Sports
David Luiz set to be sensationally dropped by Antonio Conte against Manchester United
DAVID LUIZ is set to be axed for Chelsea’s biggest game of the season.
The Brazilian, 30, could pay a heavy price after the Blues slumped to a shocking 3-0 defeat at Roma in the Champions League on Tuesday.
Antonio Conte trained with Andreas Christensen in a back three in training on the eve of today’s huge clash with Manchester United at Stamford Bridge.
There has been tension between Conte and Luiz this week, although Chelsea insist there has been no major bust-up.
But Conte will consider dropping Luiz — one of owner Roman Abramovich’s favourite players — against ex-Blues boss Jose Mourinho’s Red Devils.
Chelsea’s Italian chief is looking to shake up his side after reading the riot act during a team meeting on Thursday.
And Blues skipper Gary Cahill could also be for the chop.
Conte was furious with the display in Rome where his defence was pulled apart by ex-Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko.
But he needs to be wary of axing owner Abramovich’s favoured stars.
Roberto Di Matteo, who won the Champions League for Chelsea in 2012, was also sacked after a 3-0 defeat in Italy.
He was shown the door seven months after that Euro glory when Chelsea lost to Juventus having kept £50million Fernando Torres on the bench for most of the game.
Blues full-back Cesar Azpilicueta says boss Conte must go back to the drawing board.
The Spaniard said: “We changed formation last season — but now they have cameras everywhere they can analyse so easily.
“Sometimes opponents do it well and we have to be ready to try other options.”