Chelsea fans here in the Tavern are in high spirits after two spirited results have shown real character from their team, looking to improve on things as they enter the League Cup, with the trophy being their aspiration. 

Chelsea were a team who many thought would repeat the feat from last season’s Premier League triumph as the added additions of Alvaro Morata, Antonio Rudiger and Tiemoue Bakayoko bolstered what was already a title-winning side.

Now 9 games into the 2017-18 season, the Blues will feel let down by the sluggish start that’s been made judging by their standards. Currently seated in 4th position, 9 points adrift of top spot, its beginning to look as if their title ambitions of preseason have now diminished as they change focus to a Champions League spot.

After winning 4-2 at home to the impressive Watford, they can take many positives and negatives from the game as they rally back from a 2-1 deficit to score 3 consecutive goals to take all 3 points. The real let down for the Stamford Bridge faithful was their defensive display as the lapse in concentration made things harder than they possibly should have been.

Next up they welcome Premier League strugglers Everton to the Bridge in what will be a tough opponent who provide an added resistance. Coming into the game with the 3rd worst defence in the league so far this season, it looks as if there will be goals in this one as the attacking power that Chelsea pose should be too much for the Evertonians.

However, with the possibility of cup magic in the air you can never rule out the underdog after recent heroics of Bradford in the League Cup have got all clubs dreaming of a big day at Wembley.

So here’s a look at the possible line up that Chelsea should look to utilize against a struggling Everton side…

GK: Willy Caballero

The Argentine keeper has taken up his role as the cup keeper as he looks to gain some form and impress the eagerly watching Conte. After an impressive rise in form for Manchester City last season, he’s been rewarded with a place at the champions as he looks to use his experience.

The shot-stopper can produce incredible reflexes and abilities which makes him a quality back up keeper to call upon.

CB: Antonio Rudiger

The German who arrived from Roma has been a real highlight player for Chelsea so far this season with him providing a fantastic tackling technique along with the brute force and strength making it near on impossible to get around him.

After impressing so far, Conte looks to the central defender to keep out a hungry Everton attack.

CB: Andreas Christensen

The Danish rock has started with the fine form that has made this his breakthrough season under Conte. After previous seasons out on loan, he has been given time to develop his attributes which have created a defender that is now ready to tackle the high demanding Premier League.

The performances that this man has put in place so far this season has meant that Conte can call on him, without a doubt.

CB: David Luiz

The Brazilian is one of the types of players that pulls out an incredible performance from absolutely nowhere. Having starred in the Champions League game against Roma with a goal, mixture of defensive and attacking intent can pose a shaky Everton defence a whole load of problems.

Conte should look to this man as he looks to impress once again on a Tuesday night.

RWB: Davide Zappacosta

The newly signed Italian made the switch from Torino and has already taken well to English football with goals and assists to his name.

With fierce competition on the right-hand side, it’s down to this man to prove himself if he is going to want the starting position.

Therefore, the zooming Zappacosta will look to be bombing down the right-hand side to put Blues on top.

LWB: Marcus Alonso

The Spanish sensation has become a revelation in the left-wing back position as he really begins to make it his own.

Having fought off fierce competition from Victor Moses, he’s provided the attacking outlet that’s been missing in the past with his free-kick ability as well as accurate crossing to pose an extra threat.

The forever reliable wing-back looks set to continue as he will start against strugglers Everton.

CM: Tiemoue Bakayoko

The former Monaco man has many traits similar to the forever reliable N’Golo Kante, but with him out for up to a month with an injury, it looks as if this is the perfect fit to take his place.

Intercepting anything that comes his way while offering a dogged like approach in closing down the opposition, this man can be a really hassle for any oppositions midfield.

Looking to improve on his recent run in the team, Conte will look to him once again to patrol the midfield quarters.

CM: Cesc Fabregas

Every side needs that ball-playing central midfielder and that’s this man. The world-class talent that is Cesc Fabregas is the player that just keeps on giving as the run of impressive seasons keep on rolling, as he is the main source of attack as his vision and passing accuracy is a forwards luxury.

Injuries to Drinkwater and Kante have left them slightly shortchanged in the midfield meaning there is no room for rest for this man.

CAM: Charly Musonda

The Belgian wonderkid was once tipped as one of the most promising young players in world football as he set the youth stages alight.

He’s currently looking to reignite his Chelsea career and what better opportunity than the cup, after starting against Forest, he will look to better his performance next time out.

Using his pace and trickery, the winger will look to become a permanent inclusion under Conte.

CF: Eden Hazard

Considering the fact that Chelsea are seemingly always just one slip up away from their next crisis, it’s important Hazard starts. Having had so much fun against the Toffees the last time they visited Stamford Bridge, the Belgian will be a real threat.

ST: Michy Batshuayi

Batshuayi hadn’t enjoyed the best of campaigns prior to the Watford game, though the fact he bagged two goals againt Watford really should boost his confidence.

Alvaro Morata simply cannot be risked after a hamstring injury, so the Belgian needs he can hold the ball up and front a Chelsea attack.

So Chelsea fans, is this team good enough to put you through to the next round?