Chelsea are on the warpath and under manager Antonio Conte, the Blues will be hoping to bring yet another Premier League title back to Stamford Bridge come the end of the season.
It’s a campaign that has united Blues fans across the world, and the pocket of Chelsea supporters here in the pub are absolutely delighted with how things have gone under the Italian this season.
They’ve played attacking, stylish football and in less than a year, Conte has completely changed the philosophy at the club and Jose Mourinho is barely even mentioned amongst supporters anymore – they’ve found their new special one.
And ahead of their huge FA Cup semi-final against Spurs this weekend, we want to take a look at the Chelsea defence and the players that will be able to stop the devastating Spurs forward line.
So with that in mind, here’s the Chelsea defence we think needs to start against Spurs on Saturday…
GK: Thibaut Courtois
Belgium’s number one Thibaut Courtois is back in training after missing the poor 2-0 defeat to Manchester United last weekend, and he’ll be hoping he can bring his team back to form from between the sticks.
Begovic didn’t do a bad job against the Red Devils but the Chelsea backline feels that little more secure with Courtois in the mix.
LWB: Marcos Alonso
Marcos Alonso is exactly the sort of player that has typified Conte’s success at the Bridge during his first season in charge.
Many remember the Spaniard from his days with Bolton Wanderers but he’s been thrown into the limelight in London and hasn’t half performed, filling that void on the left hand side of the team.
CB: David Luiz
David Luiz is back at the Bridge, much to the supporters liking, and is looking ten times the player he was the first time around.
Defensively, far fewer questions are asked of him now and his partnership with Gary Cahill looks so secure.
He’ll be looking to keep Harry Kane quiet all afternoon which will be tricky.
CB: Gary Cahill
PFA-nominated Gary Cahill has had a superb season at the Bridge and there’s absolutely no doubting he’ll be starting the game against Spurs, as one of Chelsea’s best players from this campaign.
Defensively, he’s been so solid and looks to be one of the star men for the club going forward.
How will he get on stopping England teammate Harry Kane though?
RWB: Victor Moses
Arguably the surprise success from the current campaign, Victor Moses has been brought into the first-team fold by manager Antonio Conte and looks superb on the right-hand side.
Defensively adept and good going forward, the Nigerian has breathed light into the Blues XI this season and will be looking to cause Danny Rose as much difficulty as possible this weekend.
