Chelsea fans here in the Tavern are in absolute delight as their team continues to impress, now stretching their unbeaten Premier League streak to 8 games. 

Ever since the demoralizing 2-1 defeat away at Crystal Palace, Antonio Conte and his men have never looked back, with the Pensioners recreating some of the championship-winning form that we became accustomed to last season.

The Blues currently sit 3rd in the table, still with a mountain to climb if they are to retain their Premier League title, with Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City side 11 points ahead. Indeed, due to the title looking out of reach even at this stage, all fans can hope for is a top 4 place and their focus to be switched to progressing as far as possible in Europe.

However, next up Chelsea welcome a side who’ve just avoided their 5th straight defeat, as Rafa Benitez and his Newcastle United outfit make the trip down to Stamford Bridge, having come back from 2-0 down to force a draw against West Brom in their last outing.

Our Landlord here in the Tavern believes that Antonio Conte has built the foundations for a Premier League title challenge, but important games against surrounding teams will prove vital in the season’s outcome.

Indeed, if the Blues are to line-up with this starting XI, then Benitez may as well start packing his bags now…

GK: Thibaut Courtois

The goalkeeper position is the only place that the gaffer hasn’t chopped and changed, with the ever-impressive Belgian keeper performing to the highest levels on a consistent basis.

There will be no hesitation in placing the gloveman on the team-sheet once again, as he continues to write his name in the stars.

CB: Andreas Christensen

The defensive Dane has been one of the breakthrough acts of the 17-18 season. After helping send his side to the World Cup, he’s transformed his fine form to club level and it’s not only the Irish that struggle to get past him.

Having impressed at the start of the campaign, the Italian has backed his decision to reward him with regular game-time.

CB: Antonio Rudiger

Since his move from AS Roma, the German defender has found his new home in Stamford Bridge, a fortress that seems to drive the very best out of the young defender.

Indeed, having added a couple of goals to his name, he’s shown Conte that he can offer something moving forward, as well as the defensive solidity that earned him the move in the first place.

CB: Gary Cahill

Chelsea’s skipper Gary Cahill has been nothing short of the leader that Blues fans have grown to love, his wisdom and experience comes in key alongside two young central-defenders, in what is a very well balanced defensive line.

Antonio Conte knows he can always rely on the captain to deliver at the most crucial of times.

RWB: Davide Zappacosta

Fanatics here in the Tavern have really begun to warm to their new signing, with his searing pace down the right-hand side causing lots of the opposition defenders trouble in all kinds of areas.

Fellow Italian Conte takes a particular liking to the wing-back, having watched him in his days at Torino he’s been sure to give him the opportunities here at Chelsea.

LWB: Marcos Alonso

Former Fiorentina left-back Marcos Alonso has been one of the standout players in the entirety of the Conte reign, due to his versatile abilities making him out to be one of the most dangerous players in all thirds of the pitch.

Having made the wing-back position his own this season, he has little weight holding him back with no one in contention for his starting spot.

CM: N’Golo Kante

The Bridge contingent here in the Tavern have loved every moment that this man has worn the crest of Chelsea Football Club. His famed dogged like approach absolutely terrorizes the opposition’s midfielders into making countless mistakes.

His incredible ability to intercept has been combined with the new feature of scoring goals this season with Chelsea, as he continues to develop his all-round game.

CM: Cesc Fabregas

Cesc Fabregas has always impressed in the Chelsea shirt, mainly down to the pure talent that he posses when passing the ball to all parts in the creative midfield role he flourishes in.

Antonio Conte will always look to the Spanish midfield maestro to pull the strings in a team that is so heavily based on balls being played through the middle of the park.

RAM: Willian

Surprisingly, the attacker struggled to gain any sort of regular first-team football towards the start of the campaign, but in recent matches, he’s become a shining light in this Chelsea side after scoring the equalizer in the dying embers at Anfield.

Manager Conte has regained the faith in the Brazilian after his most recent performances, so for that reason, a starting place will become a repeat.

LAM: Eden Hazard

As one of the best players in world football, Eden Hazard continues to wow the Premier League audience with his magician-like ability to disappear from the clutches of any defender, to somehow fashion something out of nothing.

Pundits here in the pub believe that the Belgian star is the biggest talent that Stamford Bridge has ever seen, so for obvious reasons the forward retains his place after a Wednesday night rest.

ST: Alvaro Morata

The former Real Madrid striker has been a revelation in the English capital, utilizing his versatility to drop deep and create, as well as getting on the end of any balls being played across the box with his poachers’ instinct.

On any given day, the gaffer will always opt to have this man lead his line.

Chelsea fans, thoughts?