The Chelsea fans in the Transfer Tavern are eager for the return of the FA Cup this weekend. Chelsea’s last round was very eventful, having been taken to penalties by Norwich last week, with the Championship side impressing against the Blues.
They’ll be expected to do far better in the next round this weekend, though they’ll have to do it against a better opponent. Newcastle are the opposition this time around, and nothing but a win will do for the Blues.
Much of the talk in the Transfer Tavern has already turned to who Antonio Conte will pick against the Magpies.
Chelsea are given a lot of criticism for their lack of youth development, but there is certainly scope for Antonio Conte to feature a few young starlets in this team. Be it through the loan system or the Chelsea developmental system, the Blues have produced a number of fantastic players in recent years – and they deserve to feature.
He’ll need to mix that with experience, of course, but a bit of youth could give his side the energy that it needs to get a win.
With that said, Conte should pick this 3-4-3 Chelsea XI to beat Newcastle on Sunday – agreed?
GK – Willy Caballero
Willy Caballero has had a decent run in the first team as of late, and that will likely continue on Sunday.
Even if Thibaut Courtois is fit to play, Caballero is likely to be Chelsea’s first choice in the FA Cup this term.
CB – Gary Cahill
Back from injury, Gary Cahill is likely to feature.
Despite what fans think, he is a consistent and useful option for Conte, and he’ll put in a typically great performance.
CB – Andreas Christensen
David Luiz could play, but Andreas Christensen deserves another start. He has been incredible for the Blues this season, and he looks set to follow Thibaut Courtois in being Chelsea’s next long-term academy graduate.
He has been very consistent whenever he has featured this term, and he’s on a good run of form.
CB – Antonio Rudiger
Antonio Rudiger had a shocker against Arsenal, and so it’s very important that he plays on Sunday.
If Conte decides to drop him, his confidence will be shot – and that could spell bad news for Chelsea going forward.
LWB – Marcos Alonso
Antonio Conte has little choice here.
With Kenedy now on loan at Newcastle, Alonso will be forced to play.
He could do with a rest, but he’ll have to power through this time around.
CM – Ethan Ampadu
Chelsea’s breakout star of the year.
Though signed from Exeter just last year, Ampadu has really impressed whenever he gets his chance.
Currently a Chelsea academy player, he should get another chance in the first team on Sunday.
CM – N’Golo Kante
N’Golo Kante has impressed this season, continuing to be a key player for the Blues.
With Ampadu in the team, Kante’s quality will be key. He’ll have to cover for the young Welshman who will inevitably make a mistake or two given his lack of experience.
RWB – Davide Zappacosta
Davide Zappacosta has been underwhelming at Chelsea, but he’s a decent option for Conte.
He’s yet to really find a rich vein of form and truly impress. Perhaps that run of form could begin on Sunday.
LW – Charly Musonda
Charly Musonda is the third Chelsea young starlet that should get a chance.
He, like Christensen and Ampadu, has impressed whenever he has been given a chance this season – but he simply hasn’t had enough chances.
Eden Hazard needs a rest, and his Belgian compatriot is the perfect replacement.
ST – Michy Batshuayi
It’s make or break time for Michy Batshuayi.
If Chelsea sign a new forward, he looks destined for the exit door – be that in a temporary or, indeed, a permanent fashion.
A great performance against Newcastle could change everything, though.
RW – Pedro
Pedro hasn’t been at his best yet this season, but given Willian’s injury against Arsenal, the Spaniard is likely to feature.
He needs to make up for the disappointing dive that he did against Norwich in the last round.
Chelsea desperately need him to perform.
