With the Chelsea team back in training this week, players minds will no doubt be looking towards the first day of the season.
Much like the punters here in the Football Transfer Tavern, rumours have been swirling over who might be out and who might be in, as Chelsea look to rebuild their credibility after a shocking year last season.
So far only one new player has been brought in, but with the Chelsea board reportedly looking to wrap up a few more deals; Chelsea fans here in the Football Transfer Tavern are hopeful that their side might have a few new faces going into the new season.
Our landlord thinks that one or two more signings would be perfect for the Blues, and if the rest of the side can regain its form – Chelsea could be unstoppable on the opening day next year.
This 4-4-2 team will romp West Ham on the first day of the season…
Goalkeeper – Thibaut Courtois
A great team always builds from the back; and there is no better place to start than with Thibaut Courtois.
The towering Belgian keeper was inconsistent last year, like the rest of his team, but in parts he proved why he is such a revered keeper.
He can pull of saves that nobody else can, and will win the Blues 10 points next year on his own back.
The one player that Chelsea MUST hold on to in the years to come; Courtois is Chelsea’s first choice.
Defence – Branislav Ivanovic, Kalidou Koulibaly, John Terry, Cesar Azpilicueta
Familiarly continues in the Chelsea defence, with an experienced and rugged back line enlisted to bring stability back to this Chelsea team.
Cesar Azpilcueta was perhaps the one consistent player in the Chelsea first team last year, offering consistent quality and form even whilst his team were faltering. He is the first name on this team sheet, as always.
Many fans would no doubt want to see the back of Branislav Ivanovic, but the truth is towards the end of last season he did begin to regain his form, and he looked back to his best. If he can continue that at the start of the new season, he certainly deserves to retain his place.
A central defensive pairing of John Terry and Kalidou Koulibaly will be unstoppable next season.
Fresh of the back of a new contract, a fit again John Terry will captain the side. Kalidou Koulibaly is a player that Chelsea are determined to capture this summer, and it seems like it will be a matter of time. The talented defender will relish playing alongside a defensive stalwart like JT, and if nothing else it will help him acclimatise to the league before Kurt Zouma returns at Christmas.
Midfield – Eden Hazard, Cesc Fabregas, N’Golo Kante, Willian
Like the Chelsea defence, just one change will make all the difference in the Chelsea midfield.
The central midfielders will be flanked by Eden Hazard and Willian. Everyone knows how good Willian is, and like Azpilicueta he was one of the few players that performed well last year.
Eden Hazard certainly did not, but his quality is un-doubtable; and he will look to get back to his best next year.
Cesc Fabregas will retain his place, as this formation will allow him to push a bit further forward and dominate the attack. Like Hazard, on his day he is unplayable.
Another new potential signing is N’Golo Kante. The Leicester stalwart will take the place of Nemanja Matic and command that Chelsea midfield, adding some much needed steel and grit.
Attack – Diego Costa, Michy Batshuayi
The Chelsea strike force will be led by the only two major strikers currently still on the Chelsea books – Diego Costa and Michy Batshuayi.
Everyone knows how good Diego Costa is, and after an impressive end to last season, Chelsea bosses and fans here in the Transfer Tavern will no doubt be hoping he can replicate that form next year.
Michy Batshuayi is the only new signing Chelsea have captured so far, and his £33 milion fee implies that he will be a starter next year.
Offering electric pace and technical ability; Batshuayi is a player that could work fantastically alongside another striker.
A central pairing of Diego Costa and Michy Batshuayi could be unstoppable next year.
