After missing out on Champions League football last season, the Chelsea fans here in the Transfer Tavern are excited to have European football back at the Bridge.

Last week’s six-nil demolition of Qarabag was the perfect fixture and result to ease their way back into Champions League football. Although tougher tests await with this weeks away match to Atletico Madrid and Roma on game week three.

Conte massively rotated his team and rested some key players in the midst of their seven matches in 21 days. With news breaking of Diego Costa’s move to Madrid confirmed for January this makes the match up a little more mouthwatering.

Chelsea have David Luiz and Pedro both out injured which will open up a couple of spaces for players to make an impression in what’s likely to be a strong lineup against the Spanish side.

Our Chelsea punters are hoping to keep their rich goal-scoring form up from last week and with this team, it’ll definitely be a battle out there.

Thibaut Courtois

The ever-reliable Courtois will be hoping to add to his clean sheet last week. The Chelsea No.1 will be looking for an assured performance against his old side.

Having spent three seasons at Atletico Madrid, he’ll be well aware of what they bring to the table under Diego Simeone and will pull out all the stops to show the fans what they’re missing.

Cesar Azpilicueta

Conte’s favoured centre back ‘Azpi’ has become quite the regular fixture in the starting eleven. Helping to keep the clean sheet last week and bagging a goal for himself, he’ll be wanting to show similar levels against the quality of Atletico.

With David Luiz being out of action, his place won’t be in doubt but he’ll be hoping to gel with whoever comes in to replace the Brazilian.

Gary Cahill

Chelsea captain Cahill has had an indifferent start to the season but helping the Blues to their joint highest Champions league win of the history would have given him a personal boost.

Another run out and sterner opposition can get the skipper back into the groove and three points would be very welcome.

Andreas Christensen

Andreas Christensen returned from a two-year loan spell at Borussia Monchengladbach to start against Qarabag last week. Stepping into David Luiz boots is something clearly Conte believes the young Danish centre-back can do and probably for good reason!

Playing alongside Cahill and Azpilicueta last time out, the trio will be hoping for a similar result, but won’t be expecting the ease in which it came against a much stronger Madrid side.

Davide Zappacosta

Making his full debut following his move on deadline day to Stamford Bridge, Zappacosta gave Conte something to think about last week and Victor Moses a cause for concern after his display.

Scoring the second goal, maybe a little un-intentionally, capped off a great start to his Chelsea career and he’ll be hoping to further cement his place with another fine display this week.

N’Golo Kante

The former Leicester City man has been unplayable since his move to the Bridge last season. Atletico will provide a tough test and with Kante in the centre of the park, Chelsea can rest assured of some protection in front of their back three.

Alongside the man we’re about to mention in the centre of the park, they’re really creating a decent partnership together.

Cesc Fabregas

The calming and assured Fabregas will be looking to impress on his return to Spain. Alongside the reliable N’Golo Kante, the World Cup winner can express himself and add to his assist tally.

On his return to the Champions League, he impressed and helped the Blues to a record win last week. More of the same this week will please his manager, as well as the travelling Blues.

Marcos Alonso

Alonso has been a revelation since joining Conte’s side, the attacking wing-back has been more than helpful in the goal department last season and will be looking for more of the same in the Champions League.

Unfortunate not to score last week, he’ll be wanting to get his European tally of the mark this week with another impressive display.

Willian

Man of the Match against Qarabag last time out, Willian will want to impress once again. After coming close to scoring too, the Chelsea winger will want to get his first goal of the campaign against Atletico Madrid.

Facing up against harder opposition will see if Willian can reach the same levels as last time out, but the confidence wave that he can ride from last week should see him level up.

Eden Hazard

On the comeback trail, Hazard got vital minutes in recent weeks under his belt. With Pedro out due to injury, Conte will want his star man to start, despite his recent fitness injuries.

The little Belgian will relish the chance to go at the Atletico defence, as compact as they are.

Missing the beginning of the season due to injury, Hazard will want the chance to prove that he’s still number one pick for that left wing slot despite Pedro’s impressive display and goal last week.

Alvaro Morata

Rested last week while Conte rotated his squad, Morata will be eager to get back on to the fold and start scoring straight away.

While Michy Batshuayi bagged a brace last week and impressed with a good performance, Conte surely will want the experience Morata brings with his European nous.

With an excellent start to the season, Conte will hope his star man forward can bring his domestic form into the Champions League to register a second win of the campaign.