Blues fans here in the Tavern are eager to carry some momentum into the New Year, with a top 4 spot far from guaranteed for Antonio Conte’s men.
Indeed, with an ambitious owner like Roman Abramovich watching down from the private box, the Italian will need to do all he can to bring Champions League football to Stamford Bridge, with anything less than that likely to result in his sacking.
In what has been a very busy festive period so far, Chelsea can’t afford for any more slip-ups if they are to catch the runaway train that is Manchester City, but with other trophies still up for grabs, they’ll be looking to add another piece of silverware to their cabinet come May time.
Their Boxing Day clash this year sees them entertain Chris Hughton and his Brighton and Hove Albion side, a team that’s flirting with the relegation zone after some troubling times in their first season in the Premier League.
Nevertheless, with the Blues fans expecting nothing less than a dominating win, if Conte fields this starting XI, then Chelsea will destroy Brighton.
GK: Thibaut Courtois
The Belgian has often been the star of the show for the Blues in recent times, with the goalkeeper defending the goal as if his life was on the line every-time he enters the field.
Antonio has a ‘keeper that many managers would do anything to have in their side, therefore, Cortouis will definitely retain his usual spot.
CB: Antonio Rudiger
Indeed, the German has been of the buys of the summer transfer window after managing to repeatedly produce goals for the side, while shutting out opposition defences.
A definite starter on any given day for the Chelsea side despite a difficult time of things of late.
CB: Gary Cahill
Cahill can always guarantee to show incredible leadership qualities that every defence requires, along with providing the team with solidity and fight in the defensive third.
Conte looks to this man to lead his side to victory, which is often the case.
CB: Cesar Azpilicueta
‘Azpi’ is a fan favourite at Stamford Bridge and here in the Tavern, supporters love the way he wears his heart on his sleeve in every game he plays for the club as one of the most consistent players in the Premier League.
The gaffer relies heavily on the defender to help grind out performances for the side when they’re up against it. Ridiculously dependable, the Spaniard is a huge part of the Chelsea set-up.
RWB: Davide Zappacosta
Since signing from Torino, Davide is showing fans exactly why they acquired his services with some impressive defensive performances, in a position that many thought Victor Moses would make his own.
With no real cover on the right-side of defence, it doesn’t look like the Italian will be pushed out of the side anytime soon.
LWB: Marcos Alonso
Whether it’s scoring goals or putting in a world-class showing for the Blues, he doesn’t fail to impress, with the former Bolton Wanderers defender becoming a shining light in the top-flight.
Having made the position his very own, it looks like his place in the starting line-up is sealed. A palpable goal threat of late, the Spaniard is upping his game in that regard.
CM: N’Golo Kante
This man will run marathons for your side, his endless amount of energy and his dogged like approach make him one of the most feared central-midfielders in the Premier League.
With Chelsea looking lost without the Frenchman, Conte will have no hesitation in picking him for his side.
CM: Cesc Fabregas
The Spanish wizard has been one of Chelsea’s most loyal customers in recent times, as the midfielder continues to put his life on the line every-time he enters the field.
His array of passing abilities that allow him to unlock any defence, causes for the gaffer to have no hesitation in including him in the side.
RAM: Eden Hazard
Chelsea’s little magician Eden Hazard just seems to get better with every minute of football he plays, which has seen him become one of the best players in the Premier League.
With the side’s success being mainly down to how this man plays, Conte won’t hesitate to include him in the side. Undoubtedly one of the best players in Europe, the Belgian can kill any team on any day.
LAM: Willian
After struggling to get into the side early-season, he’s been heavily involved in the manager’s plans with some inspiring performances along the way.
Now, as a crucial part of their success moving forward he’ll be looking to maintain his fine form. Someone who’ll work tirelessly up and down the flanks, the 29-year-old leaves his all on the pitch, as proved during the dreadful 2015/16 campaign.
ST: Alvaro Morata
A player that’s shown he’s been worth the money paid for him in the summer months, with his link-up play, and goal-scoring talents setting the Blues up for a promising second-half of the season.
Conte loves life when this man is leading the line, so will look to include him in his side for sure. Though he’s suffered from a bit of fatigue of late, the Spaniard has taken to life on these shores like a duck to water and couldn’t be better suited to leading a Chelsea frontline.
Chelsea fans, thoughts?
