The Chelsea fans in the Transfer Tavern are desperate for the Premier League to get underway…
The Blues were finally getting a bit of momentum after a poor start to the campaign, having defeated both Tottenham and Everton in the weeks leading up to the break.
With a loss to Burnley on the opening day now a distant memory, most fans are ready for the campaign to continue and a Premier League title challenge to follow.
Next up for the Blues, though, is a tough game against Leicester City. Though no longer the side they were a couple of years ago, the Foxes will still provide a stern test.
Both N’Golo Kante and new signing Danny Drinkwater could be available for selection against their former side.
Significantly, Antonio Conte is likely to adopt a fairly standard team, with most of his players available, and that could mean that £40 million summer signing Tiemoue Bakayoko may be relegated to the bench once again.
With that said, this is the 3-4-3 Chelsea XI that Conte should pick vs Leicester City…
GK: Thibaut Courtois
Courtois has made a decent start to the season, and he’ll have to be on form to stop the threatening Leicester City attack.
He should be up to the challenge.
CB: Cesar Azpilicueta
In place of Gary Cahill once again, Azpilicueta will command the Chelsea defence.
He’s been his usual consistent self so far.
CB: David Luiz
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His pace will be key.
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Rudiger has made a fantastic start to life in London.
The German might even keep Gary Cahill out of the side at this rate.
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Victor Moses has got competition in this role now, but he’s likely to remain in the Chelsea team for now.
He’ll have to work hard defensively.
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A game against his former side.
N’Golo Kante will have his hands full with Riyad Mahrez and Jamie Vardy.
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£40m million summer signing Tiemoue Bakayoko is back to fitness now, but a fine performance from Fabregas in Chelsea’s last game against Everton means that he deserves to play again.
A poor performance could see him out of the side, though.
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Bolton’s former defender had a terrific first season for Chelsea, scoring a total of six goals. He’s started the season in similar form with a brace against Spurs.
What a signing.
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With Eden Hazard still not back, Pedro will need to step up once again.
His pace is always a threat.
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Morata has made a great start to life in London, and a goal for his country will have done wonders for his confidence.
More of the same is to be expected.
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The Brazilian is back to his best, and Eden Hazard will find it tough to displace him.
His technique is second to none.
