Chelsea fans here in the Tavern are beginning to refill the confidence tank that was running on empty not so long ago.
Chelsea have been subject to criticism and abuse so far this season, having already almost diminished their title aspirations many fans feel it’s the end of the world. However, with City looking dominant at the top, it looks as if the 9 point gap is already unreachable as their main focus turns to domestic and European Cups while still focusing on a top 4 finish. Not every team is going to achieve a trophy triumph every season, so we think after the injury struggles and start made by the Blues, a Champions League place will satisfy the Stamford Bridge faithful.
After being hailed as arguably the best manager in the Premier League after last season’s glory, Conte has fallen off the radar somewhat as Pep takes the managerial limelight. However, with the Premier League being as unpredictable as it is, Chelsea can’t rule out any heroics just yet as injured stars start to enter back into the fray.
In being a quarter of the way into the season, the Blues may have endured domestic disappointment but they still pose a dangerous intent on the Champions League and Carbarao Cup as they move forward to what looks to be the last 16 in both competitions. So with the Cup glory still in the balance and a Champions League spot very much achievable, can Conte and his men turn their season around?
You’d like to think so after their impressive 2-1 victory over Everton at the Bridge, in what was a weakened Chelsea XI with the inclusion of many youngsters who had impressed in previous rounds. So with confidence now coursing through the veins and the fans having something to cheer about, it’s vital they can transfer this momentum into the weekend’s game as they head to the Vitality to face a struggling Bournemouth side.
So here’s the dominant XI that would smash the Cherries out the park…
GK: Thibaut Courtois
The Belgian brick wall has been pivotal in the recent rise of the club as he continues to put in impressive performances for the side. Offering one of the best reflex abilities in the business, you’ll have to be lightning quick to get past this man.
The dominant Chelsea number 1 will return to his role with ease.
CB: Antonio Rudiger
Fresh off the back of a goal in the recent cup match against Everton, this man will be full of confidence as he displayed a solid performance for the club. Offering his superb aerial ability along with the strength and pace that make him so difficult to dismiss.
The Chelsea man seems to be hitting the ground running as Conte opts to continue with his services.
CB: David Luiz
After an impressive couple of performances for the Blues in both cups and a goal, it looks as if the Brazilian deserves his chance in the side. Offering the mentality going forward of a midfielder but being able to revert back to his defensive duties, makes him such a special player for the Blues as it creates intent both in an attacking and defensive sense.
Looks to continue his impressive form, with a birth in the back 3.
CB: Gary Cahill
After being a part of the same back 3 that downed Watford in the last matchday, the English defender will look to make use of his experience as he leads the back line to the Vitality. Offering a superb aerial ability and positioning, it takes pure class to get past this man.
The Chelsea skipper looks to lead from the back in the hope of another victory for the side.
RWB: Cesar Azpilicueta
The Spanish international hasn’t looked back since joining the Blues, as he establishes himself as one the Premier League’s best defenders. Offering an incredible natural ability, pace, defensive solidity and a willingness to never give up.
That makes this man such a pivotal part of the defensive front.
LWB: Marcos Alonso
The ever-improving Spanish wing-back has been one of the star performers so far this season, providing both goals and a defensive solidity. Adding the flair and calmness to proceedings at the back really has a positive effect on the back line.
The wing-back is a favourite under Conte as he looks to continue in that fashion.
CM: Cesc Fabregas
Adding his own typical Spanish hint to proceedings, providing an unreal ability to pass the ball with accuracy and the vision to go with it. Looking to break records at the Bridge as his assist count just keeps on rising, he really is a class act.
The central midfield wizard has always been one of the first picks for the side as that looks to continue.
CM: Tiemoue Bakayoko
With N’Golo Kante still sidelined through injury, the midfield terrier has done his best in replicating the services of the reliable Frenchman.
Offering a slightly more attacking style of play, the former Monaco man bases his game on the hunting down and intercepting of balls to then build on attacks.
CAM: Eden Hazard
The Belgian magician has the magic feet to create something out of nothing. Whether its scoring screamers or skinning defenders, this man has it all. As his strength and agility mixed with his electrifying pace enable him to escape from the reach of oncoming defenders.
Arguably the best player on the park, this man will look to create more magic down south.
CAM: Pedro
After scoring in his last outing against Watford, the Spanish attacker is looking to add to his tally as he makes the most of his chances in the side. Offering the high-level experience, pace, trickery and deadly goal scoring accuracy, this man sure does know how to perform on his day.
Producing high-quality performances of late, this man will look to be called upon once again by Conte.
ST: Alvaro Morata
The Spanish forward has had a positive effect on the side since returning from injury, as they look to be returning to winning ways. Offering a deceiving burst of pace, incredible aerial ability, fantastic hold-up play and an Eagle eye for the goal, this man really does have it all.
Conte’s star man looks to get back to his early season ways as goals are required from the big man.
So Chelsea fans, is this the team that can bring you victory at the Vitality?
