It’s been a decent weekend for Chelsea, who progressed to the final of the FA Cup final having seen off Tottenham at Wembley.
Much to the delight of the Blues fans lining the bar, they saw of Spurs 4-2 in front of a packed Wembley crowd in what was a fantastic game indeed, one the Chelsea fans here in the bar really enjoyed.
But now matters very much turn back to the league over the next couple of weeks and up next for Antonio Conte and Chelsea is Southampton on Tuesday evening.
The Saints travel to Stamford Bridge in decent form and will be looking to do what Crystal Palace have done in recent weeks but there’s little doubt the Blues will be buoyed after some good recent form, so expect a hotly contested game on both sides.
And after a quick chat with our Blues-mad barman, he thinks he’s got the team that should start the game.
On this occasions, we believe him too- so here’s the Chelsea side that should be played to cause the Saints serious damage on Tuesday evening…
GK: Thibaut Courtois
He’s been Chelsea’s number one since he came back to the club from his loan spell at Atletico and Courtois will remain in net for the rest of the season, injuries considering.
He’s been quality all season and will certainly be between the sticks for the game between Southampton.
LWB: Marcos Alonso
Former Bolton Wanderers man Marcos Alonso has managed to really adapt to life back in the Premier League this season and has been a key part of Conte’s Chelsea XI.
He offers fantastic width down that left-hand side and is capable both defensively and offensively for his side.
CB: David Luiz
David Luiz looks like a man reborn following his return to the club and defensively, he’s looking competent and confident, unlike the player we saw on many occasions during his first time at the club.
Blues fans here in the pub are delighted to have the Brazilian back and playing so well too.
CB: Cesar Azpilicueta
Spanish defender Cesar Azpilicueta has slotted into this Chelsea back-three with ease and looks a better player than he has done in years.
Alongside Luiz and Cahill, the whole defence has been superb all season and they’re looking increasingly likely at winning the Premier League too.
CB: Gary Cahill
Gary Cahill has had a superb season and going forward, he has big boots to fill with John Terry set to leave the club over the summer months.
Cahill has always been second-fiddle in the Blues ranks but with Terry set tl leave, the pressure is on him to really step up when the former captain does in-fact depart.
RWB: Victor Moses
Victor Moses really has been the missing piece of the puzzle this campaign and few would have expected the Nigerian to have done as well as he has done at times.
The Blues faithful here in the pub have watched on in amazement as Moses has impressed week-after-week and he’s set to be rewarded with a new deal for his endeavours this summer.
CM: N’Golo Kante
N’Golo Kante must be one of the first names on the team-sheet week-after-week and he’s had yet another superb season which looks like it will lead to a successive Premier League title in succession.
He’s slotted into the midfield with real ease and has looked seriously strong this campaign.
CM: Nemanja Matic
We saw a quite unbelievable goal from the Serbian during the FA Cup semi-final draw with Tottenham and Nemanja Matic will surely re-take his place in the side for the game against Southampton too.
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He brings fantastic balance to a Chelsea squad that is seriously offensive, and will sit infront of the back three to offer protection against some superb attackers in Gabbiadini and Redmond.
LW: Eden Hazard
Surprisingly dropped by Conte for the FA Cup semi-final, there’s absolutely no doubt Hazard will be back in the squad for the crunch tie against Southampton this week.
He’s been Chelsea’s best player all season and has impressed week-after-week once again. A real threat to Southampton.
ST: Diego Costa
Again, another player that was dropped for the game against Spurs, Diego Costa will be back with a bang on Tuesday evening, where he’ll be looking to be back amongst the goals once again.
The Spaniard has had a superb season at the Bridge and will want to finish strongly- a couple of goals against mid-table Southampton would do nicely.
RW: Pedro
Pedro has enjoyed a real revival under Antonio Conte this season and we’re seeing some fantastic football from the former Barcelona man, which has really impressed our Chelsea fans lining the bar here in the pub.
It’s been a seriously good season for the winger and he’ll hope to be amongst his managers first-team plans next season too.
