The Chelsea fans in the Football Transfer Tavern are expecting their side to bounce back after a disappointing few weeks…
A strong start to the Premier League has come to a grinding halt for Chelsea, having failed to pick up a victory in 3 Premier League games.
Nonetheless, the Chelsea fans in the Football Transfer Tavern remain confident that their side will have a competitive season – and they are expecting the Blues to return to form against Hull at the weekend.
Hull have, by all accounts, surpassed expectations so far this season – given that they were expected by the majority of the punters in the Tavern to be down and out by Christmas.
The game will certainly not be an easy victory for Chelsea, especially given their form – but our landlord thinks that a couple of changes could transform the Blues into a dominant force once again.
With that said, this 4-2-3-1 Chelsea XI will beat Hull City on Saturday – thoughts?
GK – Thibaut Courtois
Despite his poor performances in recent weeks, you would expect Thibaut Courtois to continue to be the man between the sticks for Chelsea.
The Belgian has struggled lately, but he definitely has the quality to pick it up. Conte will demand a return to form.
RB – Cesar Azpilicueta
A return to the right-hand side for Cesar Azpilicueta completely changes the perspective of this Chelsea back line.
Back in his preferred position, the Spaniard will be able to threaten offensively – whilst also being maintaining solidity at the back.
CB – Gary Cahill
A horrendous mistake against Arsenal will be at the forefront of his mind – but Conte cannot afford to drop the Englishman. He doesn’t have a choice – given his lack of defensive depth.
Nonetheless, the English defender will no doubt want to make up for his mistake, so our landlord is backing him for a good performance.
CB – David Luiz
David Luiz has certainly not been the weak spot of this Chelsea defence since his arrival, and will likely continue alongside Gary Cahill at the heart of the Chelsea defence.
Expect him to slowly become more consistent.
LB – Marcos Alonso
A first Premier League start for Marcos Alonso is well overdue.
Branislav Ivanovic is simply not good enough to play for Chelsea every week, and the Spaniard deserves a run out on the left-hand side.
His arrival will facilitate Azpilicueta’s return to the right – and Chelsea should finally be able to pose a threat down the wings.
DM – N’Golo Kante
Kante has been ever-present for Chelsea thus far, and that will continue against Hull.
The Blues look better when he’s in the side, regardless of how well the team is performing.
DM – Cesc Fabregas
Cesc Fabregas has done well when given the opportunity so far this season, and his performance against Arsenal – in which the whole team was awful – should not be used as a benchmark.
Expect a big performance.
LAM – Eden Hazard
Eden Hazard has shown brief examples of a return to form this season, but he needs to get to the next level.
The Belgian has all the talent in the world – it is time that he starts showing it every week.
CAM – Oscar
The Brazilian has refound his form for Conte thus far, but he needs to take it to the next level.
He needs to add goals and assists to his game. This could be his last chance to make a clear impact before alternatives are used.
RAM – Willian
Willian hasn’t quite hit the heights of last season yet – but Conte will likely afford him that.
He has still looked threatening, and he is a key part of this Chelsea outfit.
FWD – Diego Costa
Chelsea’s stand-out player so far this season.
Costa has scored in almost every game he’s played so far, so you would back him to do the same again.
