The new Premier League season is upon us.

With under a week until Chelsea kick off against West Ham, Antonio Conte will be looking to wrap up as much of his remaining transfer business before the new campaign begins.

Chelsea have almost been overlooked this summer, with much focus on the Guardiola/Mourinho rivalry, Chelsea sit as third favourites behind both Manchester clubs.

Conte will feel confident that he can upset the odds, with an exceptionally talented squad, and some transfer dealings still expected to take place, the ex-Juventus boss will have his eyes firmly fixed on 1st place.

The 47-year-old played some tactical masterclasses during Euro 2016, and surprised many of us with some sensational Italian performances, before conceding defeat against Germany on penalities.

With three Serie A titles to his name, he will be aiming for victory come the end of the season, and will be looking to start with a win against West Ham in Chelsea’s opening game.

Here is the Chelsea XI that will smash West Ham on the opening day of the season……

Thibaut Courtois 

Courtois will be fully expected to start at West Ham on Monday as he looks to continue as Chelsea’s number 1 this season.

With Asmir Begovic the only other realistic possibility, Courtois will feel confident that he can remain between the sticks for the entirety of the season.

Despite a couple of red cards, and an injury in September 2015, the Belgian still made 30 appearances last season, and will be looking to star in what is likely to be a more promising campaign this time round.

Branislav Ivanovic

Now 32 years of age, and coming off the back of a disappointing campaign, there will be a vast amount of people questioning whether Ivanovic is still up to the job.

However I fully expect Conte to back the Serbian and start him against The Hammers. There were so many players to blame, it would be unfair for Ivanovic to become the scapegoat of all the last year’s problems.

Bar Jon Obi Mikel and John Terry, he is Chelsea’s longest serving player, and has been working under his ninth Blue’s manager this summer. He is a survivor of so many eras, and that is because time and time again he earns his place in the team through his performances, whether that be at right back or centrally.

Gary Cahill 

Penning a new four year deal around Christmas time, you’d fully expect Cahill to still be very much in the picture at Chelsea. He has made over 190 appearances for the club, and has bagged 17 goals in that time.

I expect him to take over the John Terry role this season, and establish himself as the leader of Chelsea football club.

John Terry

John Terry turns 36 this year, and after eventually receiving a new contract, I can see him still being a first choice defender.

His experience will be essential for Conte’s side this season, and expect to see him partnered alongside Cahill on Monday night.

César Azpilicueta

Not that long ago he was hailed as the best left back in the league, with some even claiming the best in the world.

However much like with the rest of the Chelsea squad last season, praise was a little harder to come by, but I fully expect the Spaniard to star once again under Conte.

Despite speculation about him leaving to the likes of Barcelona and Atletico Madrid this summer, he will almost certainly be first choice left back this season, and will near on 100% start against West Ham in the opener.

N’Golo Kante

Every manager, player, fan, human, cat, dog, and blade of grass was impressed with N’Golo Kante last season. The man was an absolute machine, and you’d do well to find any legitimate football spectator who wasn’t blown away by the French international at some point last season.

He’s quick, strong for his size, and technically gifted. The perfect box to box midfielder, he flew in with spectacular tackles claimed the ball and then drove it up the field every single game for Leicester, stopping an attack and then initiating one.

If he can carry on like that this season, I don’t expect to see his name leave the team sheet. His energy will cause West Ham all kinds of problems in Chelsea’s opening game.

Cesc Fabregas

It doesn’t seem that long ago that Fabregas was one of the Premier League’s brightest young talents. He may no longer be young within the football world, but he is certainly still talented.

Turning 30 next year, the Spanish international will likely be hitting his peak over the coming years, and I expect him to perform well under Conte this season.

With Kante’s energy beside him, it will give Cesc the license to have a little bit of freedom in his movement, and cause West Ham some real problems.

Willian

One of the few players who was outstanding last season, Willian scored 14 goals in all competitions and was named the fans and player’s player of the year.

Fast, agile, and hard working, he’ll fit right into Conte’s first XI next year, and will play havoc against West Ham’s left back come Monday.

Oscar

Several weeks ago, you wouldn’t have backed Oscar to be in the first XI, but after some outstanding performances in pre-season he will be right in contention for a starting spot.

The Brazilian has scored 3 goals in 2 games and has looked lethal when on the attacking foot. With Kante covering defensive responsibilities and starting attacks, Oscar will be allowed to push forward and utilise his best qualities.

He’s usually at his best during the first half of the season, and I fancy him to bag a goal against The Hammers.

Eden Hazard

Despite some unconvincing displays last year, he’s still one of the top players at Stamford Bridge and a betting man would put money on him to score 15 goals plus this season.

Conte will 100% start him against West Ham with the player coming off a good individual tournament at the Euros, and a good pre-season, scoring against Werder Bremen recently.

Diego Costa

I struggle to see why Chelsea would get rid of Costa, he’s 27 years old, has such great talent and desire, and is a 20 goal a season striker.

To judge him based on last season is as unfair as it is to judge any Chelsea player based on last year. If he is still here come Chelsea’s opener I fully expect him to start.

However if the Spanish international does move, the likely replacement is looking like it could be Romelu Lukaku.

I never understood why Chelsea let him go, the 23 year old’s shown his ability with both West Brom and Everton in the Premier League and is perfectly suited to the 4-2-3-1 formation.

Whether Costa goes or Lukaku comes in, I wouldn’t fancy being West Ham’s central defenders come Monday.