With the 2016/17 season drawing ever nearer, Chelsea fans here in the Football Transfer Tavern are keen to get a glimpse of what they can expect from Chelsea next season.

The Blues travelled out to America on Sunday, with a number of pre-season fixtures planned stateside – as Antonio Conte finalises his preparations for the new season.

Whilst some members of the squad aren’t fully fit yet, the majority of the Chelsea first team squad travelled; and so it seems that the side selected for the Blues first game against Liverpool may be more familiar to a lot of Chelsea fans.

Even with that however, our Landlord thinks there might be a few youngsters and other surprises in the team on Tuesday.

With that, we think this 3-5-2 Chelsea line up will SMASH Liverpool in their pre-season friendly…..

GK – Asmir Begovic

Thibaut Courtois is back with the Chelsea squad, but his recent return might force only a limited spell on the pitch.

Begovic has looked good in his limited game-time this summer, as the Bosnian tries to force himself into Antonio Conte’s first team plans.

Begovic is often reliable but rarely spectacular; if he can prove his quality this summer Conte will have a dilemma on his hands when picking a keeper on the opening day.

CB – Matt Miazga

Matt Miazaga might well get an opportunity to impress in his first return to the US since leaving the country for London.

He looked a bit out of his depth last season, but with a full year in Blue under his belt – could we see a new Miazga next season?

With Conte keen to try out the 3-5-2 formation next season, could the pacey American force his way into the side?

CB – John Terry

Fresh off the back of a deal 1 year deal, John Terry will no doubt be looking to impress Antonio Conte as he pushes for a starting spot next season.

Playing in the middle of an otherwise pacey back 3 will help to mask JT’s pace deficiencies, and he will no doubt look as reliable as ever despite this change in defensive shape.

CB – Gary Cahill

Gary Cahill will be expected to take up the mantle of defensive stalwart next season, with the Englishman likely to be the most experienced member of the Chelsea back line regardless of formation.

He has been at the brunt of a lot of criticisms in recent years, but Cahill is a very good if not spectacular defender.

The Liverpool attack is unlikely to cause him any problems as he looks to solidify his spot in the Chelsea back line.

LWB – Ola Aina

Whilst this formation does utilise just three defenders, typically the two wingers on the side of the 5 man midfield become wingbacks when defending.

Ola Aina has been Chelsea’s standout youngster so far in pre season, with the young fall back desperate to make a name for himself.

Naturally a right full back, Aina will do a job on the left hand side in the absence of Cesar Azpilicueta, who lacks the offensive prowess to support this kind of system.

Able to rampage forward and defend well; Aina is a perfect wing back on either side.

RWB – Juan Cuadrado

Juan Cuadrado had a very disappointing 6 month spell at Chelsea in 2015, but Antonio Conte has repeatedly reaffirmed that he wants the player to stay at the club this summer.

You would imagine that he sees the winger as the perfect wing back, with reports suggesting that he wanted Cuadrado for that very role when he was in charge at Juventus.

He will no doubt want to give him a chance early on, and if he continues to disappoint then there will still be time to sort a deal out. But Cuadrado will no doubt be looking to impress; so don’t be surprised if he performs well on Tuesday.

CM – Nemanja Matic

Despite rumours linking him away from the club this summer, Matic has been a near constant so far during pre-season.

He has looked back to his best in parts, and Conte will no doubt want him to continue impressing.

CM – Ruben Loftus-Cheek

Things are looking up for young Ruben Loftus-Cheek, with Antonio Conte seemingly having a lot of faith in the young Englishman.

He has performed well so far, and if he continues in that vein he will not look out of place in this experienced Chelsea side.

This season will be a big one for the midfielder; there is no better place to start than during pre-season.

CM – Nathaniel Chalobah

Nathaniel Chalobah had been forgotten by many Chelsea fans after several years on loan, but Antonio Conte has brought him back into the fold and he has repaid the faith.

He scored an unbelievable goal in the last game, and has deserved his place in this starting XI.

This will be a make or break year for Chalobah; he has to prove himself worthy of a place next season.

FWD – Diego Costa

Normally used to being a part of a one man strike force; Costa will this time have a striking partner.

The prolific Spaniard will no doubt continue how he left off; scoring for fun and being a real pain for opposition defences.

FWD – Michy Batshuayi

Potentially getting his first start, Michy Batshuayi has a real battle on his hands to compete for a spot with Costa; so it makes sense to give them a run out on the same pitch.

He will be looking to impress Antonio Conte and demand a starting spot in a few weeks time; so don’t be surprised if he pops up with a goal.