The Football Transfer Tavern will be packed out on Sunday ahead of Man Utd’s clash against Chelsea…
In years gone by this game would flagship which side was going to go on to win the title – however this game is more of a desperate clutch at straws for both teams to look good.
Chelsea looked back to their best this past weekend against Leicester City. But Conte’s men have been far less convincing that many expected.
After a solid opening day win against one of the form teams last year in West Ham, the season has been very stop-start for the Blues.
Games against Man Utd are always unpredictable however, and our landlord thinks that this Chelsea XI will surprise Man Utd on Sunday…
GK: Thibaut Courtois
Chelsea’s undisputed number 1 – regardless of form, Courtois plays.
CB: Cesar Azpilicueta
The fans call him ‘Dave’ as they couldn’t pronounce his name when he first arrived but now Azpilicueta has become a bit of a stonewall in the Chelsea back line.
It’s hard to imagine a Chelsea side without him in it – the 27-year-old is their best option and he has been a solid performer so far and there seems no reason to change it.
CB: Gary Cahill
The England International had a Euro 2016 tournament to forget and so far has had a season to forget too.
He’s made countless mistakes leading to Chelsea conceding a number of silly goals but with Zouma still on the sidelines and Terry still not at 100% – he looks set to keep his place.
CB: David Luiz
The 29-year-old Brazilian is in his second spell with the Blues and looks to have settled quite quickly.
He can cause issues going forward but with the likes of Rashford and Lingard – the Chelsea defenders pace could really help.
LWB: Marcos Alonso
The versatile Spanish defender come attacker has made quite the difference since his arrival from Fiorentina.
The former Bolton and Sunderand man surprised many when he made the move but he’s looked good.
The 25-year-old will be a tough task for the veteran wing back Valencia at United.
RWB: Victor Moses
After spending the majority of his Chelsea career out on-loan at clubs such as Liverpool and West Ham – the Nigerian is finally getting his chance with the club under Conte.
He looks solid playing at a wing back role so far this season with him mostly pushing on whilst Azpilicueta comes over from the middle of defence to cover the full-back position.
He managed to get himself a nice goal too at the weekend against Leicester City.
CDM: N’golo Kante
After being arguably the main man at Leicester City last season as they went on to win the title, it was only a matter of time before one of the bigger clubs came calling and that club was Chelsea – and they haven’t looked back since!
He’s a rock in the heart of the Chelsea midfield.
CDM: Nemanja Matic
The Serbian midfielder hasn’t been as great as he was when he first returned to Chelsea in their title winning season, but the 28-year-old is starting to look slightly closer to getting back to his best.
RW: Pedro
With Willian out due to family circumstances it’s finally time for Pedro to prove his worth.
He needs a big performance.
LW: Eden Hazard
The Belgian is getting closer to being that world class player we saw when Chelsea won the title in 2015.
The 25-year-old on his day can beat any defender and outclass his opponents; but at the moment he is a bit hit and miss.
ST: Diego Costa
He is like marmite, you either love him or you hate him! But you cannot however knock his ability to play the game of football.
When the Spanish striker stops all the nonsense with his silly fouls – he can be a real game changer for Chelsea.
The striker, like many last season, underwhelmed most of the punters here at the Tavern – but so far this season he has shown glimpses of being back to his best!
For sure he could be in for a goal or two against United this Sunday!
