There’s an increasing mood of confidence here in the Transfer Tavern amongst our resident Chelsea fans who think the title really could be coming to Stamford Bridge this season.
Indeed, it looks as though they are going to take some stopping after the way they dealt with Manchester City last weekend.
The Blues rode their luck at times but took their chances emphatically when they fell for them and will undoubtedly be thinking they can now take anyone on in this division.
There’s a long way to go, of course, and twists and turns are to be expected, but Chelsea should be there or thereabouts come May.
In the more immediate future, though, they need to be thinking about how they are going to beat and in-form West Brom side this weekend.
Tony Pulis’ men have been one of the teams of the season so far and won’t be easy to get one over on for sure.
Our landlord reckons the Blues will do it, though, providing they go with this XI…
GK: Thibaut Courtois
The Belgian is showing just how important a strong ‘keeper is to a title challenge. Liverpool and City need to take note from the Blues, here.
CB: Cesar Azpilicueta
You get the feeling Azpilicueta could play pretty much anywhere. He’s performed so well in the new centre-half role given to him and that makes him a certain starter for this one.
CB: David Luiz
Luiz has proved everyone wrong so far this season. He has performed admirably at the back and seems to have cut out those mistakes that plagued his first stint at the club. Long may it continue say our Blues fans.
CB: Gary Cahill
Cahill highlighted his weaknesses at the Etihad as he once again made a needless mistake. Fortunately, the Blues’ attacking stars bailed him out but he’ll want to put on a more assured display here to protect his place.
RWB: Victor Moses
Moses was pretty quiet against City but he worked diligently and should start this one. He’s become a key facet of this 3-4-3 and has to play at the moment to help give the Blues all important balance.
CM: N’golo Kante
Kante put on a defensive masterclass in midfield against City and that has to be applauded as much as any of Chelsea’s attacking stars. He’s always going to play when fit and that seems to be all of the time, too.
CM: Cesc Fabregas
Many wondered how he would do in place of the injured Nemanja Matic and, almost predictably, he threw in a sensational assist during his performance. Deserves another game against the Baggies.
LWB: Marcos Alonso
Alonso struggled down the left side for Chelsea for the first time this season and will need to put that right here. West Brom rely on their wide-men and so the Spaniard needs to be on his game to stop them.
RF: Pedro
The Spaniard looks to have finally found his feet for Chelsea and needs to continue in that fashion here. The challenge for him has to be to reach the goal tallies of the likes of Diego Costa and Eden Hazard now.
LF: Eden Hazard
The first of the two Chelsea stars that will win the league for the club if they continue in this way. Hazard is back to his best and that means no-one really has a plan for him. Over to you, West Brom.
ST: Diego Costa
He’s been the best striker in the league this season and looks back to his best. He hasn’t gone around spoiling for a fight either and looks determined to win the title.
Agree Blues fans? Let us know below!
