The Chelsea fans in the Transfer Tavern are hoping that Antonio Conte will be able to mastermind a win on Wednesday evening…

The Blues are closing in on a famous Premier League title win, and Antonio Conte will have cemented a legacy in less than a year if he is able to pull that off.

However, the title race is far from over. The Blues lost against Crystal Palace over the weekend, blowing the top four wide open once more, and defeat against Man City could make the situation even more perilous for Chelsea.

In truth, the title is now Chelsea’s to lose – and Conte must manoeuvre his way to safety.

He’ll have to select a strong side against Pep Guardiola’ side, which may mean bringing in a few more defensive options than were utilised against Crystal Palace. Similarly, Conte’s slow switch from a 3-4-3 to a 3-5-2 will likely be in full effect – and this will impact upon his team selection.

With that said, if Conte picks this XI, Chelsea will absolutely demolish Man City on Wednesday…

 GK – Thibaut Courtois

Thibaut Courtois is the backbone of this Chelsea, and he will need to be on fine form.

The Man City attack is just incredible, and he will likely have a very busy night.

 CB – Gary Cahill

Gary Cahill has been impressive this season, and his turnaround certainly deserves a lot of credit.

Offering real leadership in the absence of John Terry, his role is vitally important.

 CB – David Luiz

David Luiz has been in fine form since he returned to Stamford Bridge.

His lapses in concentration have, thus far, dissipated – but he cannot afford to rest for a moment against Man City. Otherwise, he WILL be punished in the form of a goal.

 CB – Kurt Zouma

Kurt Zouma hasn’t really had a chance since he returned from injury, but it might be time to get him back into the first-team fold.

Victor Moses missed the game at the weekend, and Pedro doesn’t really offer the defensive stability of the Nigerian, and so a defensive switch made be necessary.

The first component of that could be bringing Zouma in in place of Azpilicueta, who we will get to later.

He is a powerful, technical no-nonsense defender, and that is just what Chelsea need.

LWB – Marcos Alonso

Marcos Alonso is consistent, and Antonio Conte won’t need to worry about his form against Man City.

He’ll need to ensure that he is at his bestm though.

 CM – Cesc Fabregas

Cesc Fabregas has had more of a chance in recent weeks, and he has duly delivered.

He scored once again over the weekend, and he should retain his place as a result.

 CM – N’Golo Kante

N’Golo Kante is undroppable.

He is simply incredible to watch in the midfield. Man City will have a hard time getting past him.

  CM – Nemanja Matic

Nemanja Matic will serve as a second line of defence alongside N’Golo Kante, and will need to ensure that he is on fire defensively.

The Man City attack will be threatening, and he must adjust.

 RWB – Cesar Azpilicueta

Whilst he has impressed more centrally this season, Azpilicueta may be forced to move out wide this week.

Victor Moses may not be fit, and Pedro isn’t good enough defensively against a side like Man City.

Expect him to put in a top performance.

 ST – Diego Costa

Diego Costa hasn’t been firing in recent weeks, but that will all be forgotten if he bags a few against the Citizens.

He will need to avoid trouble with the Man City defence, and if he can do that – you would back him to score.

 ST – Eden Hazard

Eden Hazard has been playing more centrally recently, and his role as a shadow striker behind Diego Costa is working wonders.

He is always involved, but he needs to start delivering on the biggest stage. There is no bigger stage than this Wednesday, for the Blues