Chelsea enjoyed their best afternoon in the Premier League so far this weekend and boy are their fans here in the Tavern delighted about it!
The Blues demolished Manchester United 4-0 at Stamford Bridge on Sunday afternoon, laying down a serious marker of their own, despite some slight criticism coming their way over the past few weeks.
Antonio Conte deserves plenty of credit for the result – his side outfought, outsmarted and outplayed United and on another day, it might have been a whole lot worse for the Red Devils.
But what the result should do more than anything is give the Italian’s side increased confidence going into their EFL Cup tie with West Ham United in the week.
Even the landlord is tipping the Blues to go far in the tournament and who can blame him after the stellar showing at the Bridge this weekend.
But how should Conte line up his troops for the crunch tie against the Hammers? Should it be a chance to rest some big stars or should he set out to ensure the win?
With that in mind, here’s our Chelsea XI that we think will do the business against the Hammers…
GK: Asmir Begovic
Asmir Begovic has really had to play second-fiddle in Chelsea’s goalkeeping ranks over the past few months but this is a great chance for him to throw down a marker.
He started in Chelsea’s third-round win over Leicester so we’re presuming Conte will give him the gloves for this one too.
RB: Cesar Azpilicueta
Azpilicueta has once again been a sure-fire starter under Conte in all games this season, both domestic and European.
The Spaniard has slotted in on the right-hand side quite nicely at times, especially when Conte reverts back to a four-man defence, usually deployed in cup ties.
CB: Gary Cahill/John Terry
Gary Cahill would more than likely have been expected a tougher test at the Bridge than the one he received this weekend and we’re tipping him to slot straight back in at the back.
He’s been reasonably sound at times this season and he’ll be looking to keep another clean sheet for his side’s trip to East London.
The other option for Antonio Conte is to bring in John Terry, but our landlord thinks he would be wise to continue with his regular defensive duo.
CB: David Luiz
A lot of the onus has been off the shoulders of David Luiz in recent weeks, which means he must be doing something right.
He’s a player who is easy to criticise because of his downfalls in the past but like Cahill against United, he was solid.
LB: Marcos Alonso
Marcos Alonso has looked really comfortable in this Chelsea XI since his summer move to Stamford Bridge and we think he’ll slot in again for this one.
He’s quick, reads the game extremely well and is quite happy to get on with things without attracting all of the big headlines. He could turn out to be a diamond in the rough – if Chelsea do well this season.
CDM: Nemanja Matic
Despite some thinking he might not feature heavily under Antonio Conte, Nemanja Matic has been somewhat of a mainstay in this Chelsea team this season.
He’s a man who offers the defence so much protection and in a game West Ham will want to win in front of their own fans, his presence could be key in any potential Chelsea victory.
CDM: Nathaniel Chalobah
With Cesc Fabregas sidelined with a minor thigh injury, this could be an excellent opportunity for young midfielder Nathaniel Chalobah to come into the first-team fold.
He’s been out-on-loan a number of times and this could be the season where he finally breaks into the first team. A good performance in this game could really put him in his manager’s good books.
RM: Victor Moses
Victor Moses has had a big role to play under Antonio Conte and you’ve got to give him credit for the way he’s gone about his business.
He’s often had to wait for chances at the Bridge but now he’s in the first-team again, he’s looking strong. He spent time on-loan at West Ham last season and would more than likely love to get one over on his former side.
CAM: Ruben Loftus-Cheek
Like Chalobah, Ruben Loftus-Cheek has had to really wait for his opportunity to shine in this Chelsea team – but now could be his chance to impress the gaffer.
He played more than an hour in Chelsea’s third-round win over Leicester City which suggests he could feature at the Olympic Stadium too.
LM: Pedro
Pedro has been in and out of the first-team this campaign but the cup game gives Conte the chance to rest Sunday’s man-of-the-match Eden Hazard.
The Spanish winger has enjoyed mixed fortunes during his time at the Bridge so far but he’ll be looking to shine against the Hammers, who have struggled defensively at times this season.
ST: Michy Batshuayi
Summer signing Michy Batshuayi has had to play in the shadow of Diego Costa this season but we’re sure the Belgian star would have known he’d struggle to break into the first-team fold right away.
He’s shown excellent potential at times when given the chance from the bench and if he does start this one, he’ll fancy his chances at a couple of goals too.
