Chelsea fans here in the Transfer Tavern will be hoping to get back to winning ways in the Premier League this weekend against an impressive Watford.

Suffering back to back defeats and winless in three games in all competitions after throwing away a two-goal lead midweek against Roma, Chelsea have hit a little turbulence over the past few weeks. Last week’s defeat to winless and goalless Crystal Palace was a huge surprise to our pub regulars and has started to raise questions of Antonio Conte’s defence as the injuries pile up for the Italian.

N’Golo Kante, Tiémoué Bakayoko, Danny Drinkwater and Victor Moses are all out of contention at the minute and three out of the four are his main starters, having to play patch up on his team. It’s the league form that’s suffered dropping out of the top four, to this week’s opposition, Watford, who’ve really impressed our landlord under new manager Marco Silva.

With that in mind, our punters think the Blues can get back on track this week with this starting eleven…

Thibaut Courtois

Chelsea’s number one isn’t really under any pressure by the men on the bench for his spot but will still need to impress. With the transfer window approaching, you never know in football but another assured display can only make Antonio Conte keep his faith in the Belgian.

He’ll be on the lookout to keep a clean sheet and help his team regain their form in the league.

Gary Cahill

Club captain will want, more than anyone, to get his team back on track this weekend after back to back defeats. He’ll look to rally his teammates and steer them to the three points they need against current top four rivals Watford.

The ever-present England man is one of the longest serving in the side and knows how deep to dig at times like this.

Antonio Rudiger

The German centre-back will be out to impress new boss Conte with a good all-round performance. Indeed, the summer signing is still finding his Chelsea feet and this test against good opposition will be another step to adapting to life in England.

Places are all up for grabs at the moment and the team is being shifted about, so it’s time he rose to the plate and nailed down his spot.

César Azpilicueta

‘Azpi’ has been ever-present in Conte’s side and he holds him in high regards when it comes to players who play that position. A reliable and constant performer, the Spaniard will look again to showcase why his manager looks to him as a defensive stalwart.

He’ll also want to get the three points and repay the faith shown in him by the Italian.

David Luiz

Playing a little higher up the pitch will suit the attacking defender, the Brazilian relished his role midweek and got himself on the scoresheet with a superbly taken goal. Depending on injury, he’ll want to continue that form into this week and cause Conte a little headache for when he has a full squad to choose from.

Davide Zappacosta

The new signing has a chance, in Victor Moses’, absence to show Conte what he’s made of. Indeed, Moses has been an ever-present as the number one right wing back, though it’s time Zappacosta gave Conte a selection problem and raise the game in that area of the field.

A good game and solid performance could crowbar him into the Italian’s permanent plans.

Césc Fabregas

Being a little thin on the ground in the midfield department, the Spaniard will look to keep the ship afloat with a display that can inspire the players around him.

His ability to spot a pass and create space for his teammates has Conte purring to have him at his disposal on a weekly basis and a sharp again Morata will be loving having Fabregas behind him.

Willian

Again, with Chelsea’s midfield problems at the moment down to a plethora of injuries, Conte will be looking to his squad players to come in and do a job in their absence.

Willian is a more than adequate replacement and can provide something a little different in the midfield to Kante and Bakayoko, a huge performance can make the Brazilian a number one contender for the centre of the park.

Marcos Alonso

The left wing-back has really made a name for himself since his move to Chelsea, the attacking qualities he brings to the table can benefit the team and shock the opposition which takes them a little off guard.

With no real competition again, he’ll want to keep it that way with a good performance and possibly getting in on the goal action.

Eden Hazard

He looks like he’s finally finding his feet again and, with two goals midweek, he’ll be sure to try and inspire a struggling Chelsea side with goals and the three points.

The Blues’ creative spark will look to show the rest of the world why he once used to be held in the same breath as Ronaldo and Messi a few years ago with another fine display.

Alvaro Morata

The Spaniard made a surprise return from injury midweek against Roma to Conte’s pleasure, as he looks to regain match fitness and sharpness.

In his absence, other striking options didn’t step up their game and it looks like Morata is Chelsea’s stand-alone marksman until at least the January window comes around.