Recently, Chelsea have been on fire, the Blues fans in the Transfer Tavern have been singing round the bar as the west London giants finally have a team that looks like it could challenge for the title again.

Antonio Conte has seemingly stumbled upon a formation to light the fires of optimism regarding talk of a potential tilt, with the 3-4-3 formation looking a masterstroke.

The defensive frailty that plagued the early part of the season looks to have largely been eradicated since reverting to a three-man defence.

Still, they face the challenge of a trip to the South Coast to take on a solid Southampton side.

The Saints have already taken points off Man City and they will be looking to do the against the visitors on Sunday as Claude Puel’s side look increasingly dangerous.

Nevertheless, our punters seem to believe this Chelsea starting XI should be able to beat Southampton with ease.

Do you agree?

Gk: Thibaut Courtois

Courtois is an absolute certainty for this starting XI.

The Belgian has been in decent form as of late and so it seems stupid not to put him in the Squad.

While Chelsea’s game against Man United was convincing, the team had to still rely on the former Atletico man to ensure they came out with a clean sheet.

With their defence being unpredictable in some games, the team will be relying on Courtois to stop any of Southampton’s attempts on goal.

CB: César Azpilicueta

Azpilicueta made his name as a right-back, then was played at left-back for Chelsea.

Now, he is one of Conte’s go to players in his new three at the back formation. The Spaniard has instantly fit into the new formation and it shows as he has kept a clean sheet in all three games at centre-back.

CB: David Luiz

When David Luiz made his return to Stamford Bridge, the Chelsea fans in the Transfer Tavern where pondering by the pool table if he can be better than his last Premier League run.

While the Brazilian has not been perfect this season, Conte’s new formation seems to suit the Brazilian more than a typical four at the back.

CB: Gary Cahill

The former Bolton man finishes off the three-man defence.

Cahill is a consistent defender, so in many ways, he balances out Luiz’s unpredictability.

While he doesn’t make an impact like most players he is a player who will defend with his heart on his sleeve, though that can often cost him.

LM: Marcos Alonso

Marcos Alonso, much like Azpilicueta, has adapted very well to Conte’s new formation.

The Spaniard in the Serie A was mainly a defensive player, playing left back and centre back. However, Conte in recent weeks has seen Alonso as a left-midfielder.

The former Fiorentina man has played in that role before in Serie A, so it may not be so much of a shock at his quick taking to the berth.

Has looked solid in his new position. Only time will tell though if the Spaniard is cut out for the Premier League in his new position.

CDM: N’Golo Kanté

Chelsea’s summer signing has to be in the starting XI.

Despite his brilliant season with Leicester, many Chelsea fans in the Transfer Tavern were scratching their heads by the bar over whether Kanté was worth it.

Nine games into the Premier League, the title winner has proved that he is worth every penny.

Against Manchester United, he put on a master-piece in the engine room and he finished off his excellent game with a spectacular goal, his first for Chelsea.

CDM: Nemanja Matic

When Chelsea won the title 2 seasons ago, Matic was the unsung hero in the Midfield. While he didn’t have a good season last year, the Serbian is slowly showing the Chelsea fans what he can offer yet again.

RM: Willian

The Brazilian should go straight back into the starting XI against Southampton.

Due to personal reasons, Willian was not available in the Leicester game and he only came on as a sub in the match against United.

This was one of the hardest choices to make when making the team as Victor Moses has shocked many fans in the Transfer Tavern with his form as of late.

LW: Eden Hazard

Hazard’s season last season was one to forget. The Belgium had may Chelsea fans in the Tavern speechless by the bar as Hazard just changed last season.

However, this season it seems to be going in the right direction. Hazard makes the starting XI because he has quite simply been brilliant.  With 4 goals in 9 Premier League games Hazard has finally rediscovered his form that made him so deadly for Chelsea when they won the league.

Southampton will be hoping that they get the Hazard of last season. If Hazard performs like he has been doing recently then he could be set for a goal or two on Sunday.

RW: Pedro

Pedro has not had the greatest start to his Chelsea career. However, he deserves to be in the starting XI because finally he is starting to perform like what he did when he was playing for Barcelona.

ST: Diego Costa

Despite not being on the score sheet on Sunday. Costa is a certain pick in this starting XI. S

ay what you want about his attitude and style of play, all that matters is that he scores goals and wins games. With 7 goals already this season, Costa could be set to have his best season in a Chelsea shirt.

Who would you have in your starting XI? How will Southampton do on Sunday? Tell us in the comments bellow!