Chelsea go into their game against Middlesbrough on Sunday as red-hot favourites after their stunning win over Everton last-time-out and their supporters here in the Tavern are absolutely ecstatic!

The Blues overcame a serious wobble through October to burst out the other side fighting and you’ve got to give plenty of credit to Antonio Conte and his players, who have been superb in recent weeks.

The Italian is certainly earning his money in west London and is going some way into proving his reputation as one of the game’s elite tacticians.

But it’s back to business after the international break this Sunday and the Blues will be hoping to put Middlesbrough to the sword at the Riverside.

But don’t forget, this is a Boro side that more than held their own against Manchester City a couple of weeks ago, in a game Aitor Karanka’s men could have eventually won.

But regardless, we still think Conte and his players will have too much for plucky Boro on the day.

So, armed with some selection advice from our Chelsea-obsessed landlord, here’s our Blues XI we think will smash Boro on Sunday…

Thibaut Courtois

Hasn’t conceded a Premier League goal since the 3-0 defeat to Arsenal at the end of September and Courtois will definitely be starting the game against Boro.

Cesar Azpilicueta

Very much the first-choice left-back at the Bridge these days, Spanish international Cesar Azpilicueta has picked up plenty of admirers with his stylish, relaxed style of play.

He’s not afraid to get forward and help out in attack whilst defensively, he’s pretty solid too.

David Luiz

David Luiz has surprised some doubters after his summer move from PSG and he’s been reasonably solid for the Blues so far this season.

Much was made of his return back to the Bridge but Chelsea have looked good defensively this term, and that must be credited to the Brazilian.

Gary Cahill

Has been on international duty with England this week but will look to return to the Chelsea first-team this weekend.

Cahill has picked up that partnership with Luiz pretty easily after a couple of years apart and credit them both, they’ve looked good at times this campaign.

Victor Moses

A real hidden gem in this Chelsea side this season has been Victor Moses, who has excelled at right-back.

Traditionally a winger, he’s had to drop back into defence in order to get regular game time at Stamford Bridge this season but he’s done it with real ease and aplomb.

Nemanja Matic

Serbian international Nemanja Matic has been a regular starter under Antonio Conte this season and if there’s one area of the pitch that looks extremely solid, it’s in the middle-of-the-park.

He and Kante look extremely comfortable and it’ll be a tough afternoon for Boro if those two are playing well.

N’Golo Kante

Has really settled in this Chelsea team after his summer move from Leicester City and it looks like his decision to step up is really beginning to pay off.

He’s a sure-fire starter most weeks these days and under Conte, looks to be improving week-after-week.

Pedro

Pedro deserves plenty of credit for the way he’s re-integrated in this Chelsea side after a tough season last time out.

But he’s finally getting more game time and we’re finding it difficult to drop a player who played well against Everton and also got on the scoresheet too.

Eden Hazard

Eden Hazard is back to his best and at times, is looking absolutely unbeatable for Chelsea this season.

Much had been made of his struggles last season but the Belgian is back in form and is firing once again.

He has been given a lot of freedom by Antonio Conte to get forward and he scored another two goals against the Toffees a couple of weeks ago.

Boro will find it very hard to keep him quiet.

Marcos Alonso

Another Conte summer signing, Marcus Alonso has settled into life back in England with ease and looks a big player in this Chelsea setup going forward.

He’s been deployed as both an attacking full-back and a winger – both jobs he’s done well.

He’s good going forward but naturally defensive, he’s fantastic at getting back and helping out his colleagues at the back.

Michy Batshuayi

With Diego Costa a doubt for the game at the weekend, this could be Michy Batshuayi’s big chance to get a start for Chelsea.

The summer signing has had to make do with a place on the bench on most occasions this season but he may get his chance to shine after Costa picked up a knock on international duty last week.

A good performance would do no harm to his first-team credentials.