Chelsea fans here in the Tavern have reported back to their Premier League stations full of confidence, after a triumphant win against competitors United last time out. 

The Blues gave the Stamford Bridge faithful the perfect send-off in their last match prior to the international break, with a 1-0 win against one of the preseason title favourites, Manchester United.

Having seen the return of their French machine N’Golo Kante, the Pensioners were jubilant of his place in the match-day squad, with their bad form of late all mysteriously coming in the midst of the midfielder’s injury troubles.

Antonio Conte has been linked in the past couple of days with a return to managing his former national side Italy, after their shock exit at the hands of Sweden on Tuesday night. With it being reported that Roman Abramovich and co were very fond of bringing Carlo Ancelotti back to SW6, you will struggle to allow for permanent stability for the current man in charge.

But even with all this uncertainty, Chelsea have a job on their hands with a difficult trip away to the Hawthorns next on the cards, as West Bromwich Albion welcome the champions. Having won last time out, the Blues will be looking to pick up where they left off, with a slightly easier opposition laying in their way.

So for Conte and his side that’s endured some twists and turns along the way, here’s TWO players that will possibly not make the cut…

Davide Zappacosta

The Italian will be low in spirits after his nation’s exit from the World Cup qualifying campaign.

But after last week’s performance against Manchester United, he may be about to suffer yet another hammer blow. With the summer signing struggling to put in a quality performance as he became exceedingly quiet in the game which lead to his hauling off during the second half.

In having Antonio Rudiger waiting in the wings, having been impressive during their Champions League expedition, Conte won’t hesitate to switch things up. Pushing Cesar Azpilicueta to right-back in order to create room for the German central defender.

Tiemoue Bakayoko

The French midfielder has enjoyed plenty of playing time since the injury caused to his fellow countryman N’Golo Kante. Having signed from Ligue 1 side AS Monaco, the player has been pretty average with his start to proceedings in England, aside from a few classy glimpses.

Having started in the pivotal fixture against United last time out, he was the one player found to be on the receiving end of multiple goal-scoring opportunities, that you’d have to say would be buried by another player.

Although he showed high energy and distribution, his lack of finishing had the Stamford Bridge faithful full of frustration. While he can count himself lucky that the opposition didn’t offer a punishing equalizer to condemn his poor shooting performance.

In playing the match with 3 central midfielders, this can allow for the pace and finishing prowess of Willian or Pedro to slot into the side, to trouble a weaker Baggies defence.

Chelsea fans, thoughts?