The Chelsea fans in the Transfer Tavern are looking forward to the return of the FA Cup this weekend. The Blues look unlikely to challenge at the top of the Premier League this season, and so the FA Cup could be their only realistic chance of silverware. 

They’ve looked good in the competition so far, and their rich history in the cup has been well documented.

Their next game won’t be easy, though. They’re set to take on Hull City on Friday, and whilst Chelsea will be favourites, they can’t take the Tigers lightly.

The Blues have, on more than one occasion this season, been unable to beat lower level opposition, and that’s something that they must overcome this week.

Conte, then, will need to pick a strong team, albeit with a bit of rotation given the importance of the Blues’ upcoming fixtures.

You’d imagine that he will stick with his famed 3-4-3 formation, but perhaps a couple of young players could get involved.

With that said,  Conte should select this dominant Chelsea XI against Hull on Friday…

 GK – Willy Caballero

Chelsea’s second-choice goalkeeper will likely get another chance to impress.

He has looked very good this season.

 CB – Antonio Rudiger

Antonio Rudiger has been up and down this season, and he needs to add some consistency to his game.

The German is clearly a great player, but he needs to get better.

 CB – David Luiz

David Luiz is now playing second-fiddle to Andreas Christensen, but a few good performances when selected could do him the world of good.

He needs to have a strong second-half of the season.

 CB – Gary Cahill

The Chelsea captain has looked poor at points in recent weeks, and he’s no longer the guaranteed starter that he once was.

This time, though, he’ll likely play.

 LWB – Emerson Palmieri

Emerson Palmieri could make his debut.

He moved from Roma in January, and with Marcos Alonso still recovering from an injury, it makes sense to give him a chance.

 CM – Ethan Ampadu

The 17-year-old midfielder has impressed whenever he has been given a chance.

He looks ready for first team action, and Conte must start to give it to him. This willl allow N’Golo Kante to get a night off, which is certainly needed.

Another solid performance will make him unignorable.

 CM – Danny Drinkwater

Danny Drinkwater has yet to cement himself in the Chelsea first team, and he needs to put in a good performance.

With Tiemoue Bakayoko struggling, now is his time to take advantage.

 RWB – Davide Zappacosta

Davide Zappacosta has switched between the left and the right over the last few weeks, but a role in his preferred position is likely this time.

Victor Moses could do with a rest.

 LW – Willian

Willian can consider himself unfortunate not to have had a more prominent role this season.

He generally looks very good whenever he plays, and the Brazilian’s defensive work rate is huge.

Give him a chance to shine, Antonio.

 ST – Olivier Giroud

Olivier Giroud had a strong first start in a Chelsea shirt, and he’ll want to get on the scoresheet at the second-time of asking.

The Frenchman is going to have a big role to play this season, and he needs to get that first goal quickly.

 RW – Callum Hudson-Odoi

Calum Hudson-Odoi has been in and out of the Chelsea squad over the last few weeks, but it’s time for Antonio Conte to give him a proper chance.

Both Pedro and Eden Hazard could do with a rest, and the young attacker has bags of potential and he looks desperate to get a chance.