The Chelsea fans in the Transfer Tavern are feeling pretty cautious about the start of the new season…
It has been a very tough pre-season for the Blues, and amidst a couple of disappointing losses, Chelsea have also struggled in their attempts at recruitment – making life tough for Antonio Conte.
Chelsea’s season begins this weekend with a trip to Wembley to face Arsenal in the Community Shield. The Blues stand in good stead ahead of the game, with Antonio Conte’s side defeating the Gunners 3-0 during their pre-season tour of Asia.
Still, this game will pose a very different challenge, and if Conte wants to win the game – he simply must pick a strong side.
A loss could damage team morale and make life very tough for the upcoming season, so a full strength side should he picked.
With that said, if Conte picks this Chelsea XI, Arsenal will have no chance on Sunday…
GK – Thibaut Courtois
Thibaut Courtois will undoubtedly be Chelsea’s first choice next season, though Willy Caballero will be waiting in the wings.
The Belgian is getting better and better.
CB – Gary Cahill
Gary Cahill gets a lot of flack, but he has been very solid in recent years.
He is rare in that he is a real leader in the Chelsea dressing room, and with Terry gone, that will be key next season.
CB – David Luiz
David Luiz had a fantastic season last year, but he’ll need to repeat that feat once more.
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CB – Cesar Azpilicueta
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He is very consistent.
LWB – Marcos Alonso
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He was fantastic last year, but a lack of depth in the role is concerning.
Still, he’ll do a job against the Gunners.
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Who else?
N’Golo Kante was Chelsea’s best player last season, and he’ll be a regular under Conte over the course of the coming campaign too.
He is so important to this team.
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With a lack of depth plaguing the Chelsea midfield, Cesc Fabregas will start at the weekend.
He’ll have to battle it out with Tiemoue Bakayoko this season, but with the Frenchman currently injured, he doesn’t look likely to play from the start against the Blues.
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RWB – Victor Moses
Much like Marcos Alonso, a lack of depth means that Moses will have little competition for the time being.
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What a turnaround.
LW – Pedro
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With Eden Hazard injured, he needs to step up.
ST – Michy Batshuayi
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Alvaro Morata could get the nod, but if Conte works based on a meritocracy, Batshuayi deserves to play more than anyone on the pitch.
He looks set for an incredible season.
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Eden Hazard’s injury could open up the door for Willian to play, with the Belgian not expected to feature for several weeks yet.
He has looked very good in pre-season, and he really deserved to play more last season.
