Chelsea fans here in the Tavern remain in high hopes after a successful start to the Champions League season.
As the international break draws to a close, the Champions League is not far off a return and, for the Blues, this is very welcome as they look to continue their 100% record.
After a 1-0 loss away to Manchester City last time out in the Premier League they’ll face the task of Crystal Palace as they look to build some kind of form as they head to face Europe’s elite.
However, after a frantic injury time winner last time out against European giants Atletico Madrid, the English champions will look to make the next game against Roma somewhat more comfortable as they aim towards topping the group.
Due to a recent injury to star man Alvaro Morata, its going to be somewhat more difficult for the London based side as they look towards Batshuayi to fill the void.
So, with the players returning home to the side after an exhausting international break, the Premier League champions will look to dust off any cobwebs as they eye up domestic and European glory.
As the game edges closer, here’s a look at the starting XI that should win comfortably…
GK: Thibaut Courtois
Arguably one of the best keepers in the Champions League, this man has all the attributes to become the best keeper in the world as his shot-stopping abilities and cat-like reflexes make him one of Europe’s elites.
Without a shadow of a doubt, this man is the first call for Conte.
CB: Gary Cahill
The England international is in high spirits after they managed to qualify for the World Cup, going unbeaten throughout. The central defender offers Chelsea the experience and awareness that’s required for a Champions League night, as he has done so often.
This key man looks to stake his claim as he aims to bring in form from the national duties.
CB: Antonio Rudiger
The German rock enjoyed a fine run of form during the international break as he featured in both of Germany’s dominant wins.
Facing his former club Roma will be something this man will certainly enjoy as he looks to assert authority with his new club, while seeing some familiar faces in the club that is very close to his heart.
Therefore, this man is a no brainer as he looks to provide solidity to the back line.
CB: David Luiz
This Sideshow Bob lookalike has been questioned for his consistency in a Blues shirt of recent times. However, we believe that this man knows how to perform on the Champions League stage as he provides the extra grit and aggression needed when coming up against a hungry Roma side in good form.
On a dark night against one of Europe’s giants, he gets our call ahead of the inexperienced Andreas Christensen.
RWB: Cesar Azpilicueta
There is no doubt with this man, arguably one of the best defenders in all of world football. He sure does know how to perform on the big stage as a previous winner of two Premier League titles with Chelsea.
The Spanish star gets Conte’s call as he looks to form a stable based in defence.
LWB: Marcus Alonso
The Spanish defender has enjoyed an impressive start to the season for the club in being one of their star performers. The former Fiorentina man provides a great attacking outlet combined with incredible defensive capabilities, making him the perfect option at wing-back.
There’s no doubt this man gets the call as he really seems to have made this position his own.
CM: Cesc Fabregas
The Spanish magician has been one of the most creative and established central midfielders in the world for season after season. He offers Chelsea the accuracy in passing of a truly cultured master, the awareness of a cheater and the range of a golfer as he becomes one of the most well-rounded midfielders in the game.
There’s no surprise that this man will get the nod when it comes to Europe.
CM: Tiemoue Bakayoko
The former Monaco man has proved himself as one of up and coming central midfielders in the world, forcing Chelsea to secure his services.
This man is the perfect replacement for Kante as their similar type of game compliments the space that can be provided for Fabregas.
CAM: Pedro
The tricky Spanish man can play in any position across the front three, for a man who enjoys a free roam role, Conte will enjoy giving the midfielder the opportunity to run circles around the opposition’s defenders.
The pacey wizard should get the nod as his European experience could prove key.
CF: Eden Hazard
The Belgian superstar always has that special spark for Chelsea as the winger looks to create that extra level of creativity going forward. As one of Europe’s best attackers, he sure can perform on the big stage.
As one of Conte’s match-winners, this man sure will be getting a definite nod.
ST: Michy Batshuayi
The Belgian striker has a huge void to fill as Chelsea star Alvaro Morata has suffered an injury, which gives the striker the opportunity to show what he’s made of in front of Europe’s elite.
Providing great pace and a goalscorers’ instinct, this player sure does know how to find the net after scoring the goal to win them the Premier League last season.
So Chelsea fans, can this team bring you the result needed against Roma?
