The Chelsea fans here in the Transfer Tavern were happy to get out of yesterday’s game against Burnley with a point, with the Clarets playing their part in an entertaining Premier League contest.
A Robbie Brady free-kick handed Burnley a share of the spoils, cancelling out Pedro’s opener for the Blues in a 1-1 draw at Turf Moor.
The runaway top flight leaders turn their attentions to the FA Cup this weekend when they face Championship Wolverhampton Wanderers, conquerors of Liverpool in the previous round.
With Chelsea not in European competition this season there isn’t really anything stopping Antonio Conte from playing his strongest squad, although he could use the Wolves game as a chance to run the rule over some fringe players.
Following such a disappointing result in the Premier League yesterday, the Blues’ faithful have started discussing what changes could be made to the side over breakfast here in the Tavern and team selection is a hot topic of conversation.
Lee Clarke looks at two players who could be dropped by Antonio Conte for today’s game.
David Luiz
The Brazilian central defender didn’t have the best of games against Burnley at the weekend and he could be forced to sit on the bench this weekend.
Luiz’s style of defending is erratic to say the least and several of the Chelsea faithful here in the Tavern agree that being dropped might do him good.
One is sat scoffing a bacon sarnie and a cappuccino on this cold morning and he thinks Luiz is an accident waiting to happen, stating that it could be time to give Nathan Ake a go in the first-team sooner rather than later.
Nemanja Matic
The Serbian midfielder has featured regularly for Antonio Conte this season, although he was withdrawn from the action with 25 minutes remaining last weekend.
Matic hasn’t been his usual combative self of late and with Cesc Fabregas waiting in the wings, he might need to up his performance level.
One Chelsea fan is chatting to the landlord and he thinks the Fabregas deserves to start today, stating that Matic could do with being taken out of the firing line for a game or two.
