Our Chelsea fans here in the Transfer Tavern are hoping that Antonio Conte has got some answers in today’s early kick-off against Southampton, as they desperately want the poor form to stop after only winning three games so far this calendar year in the Premier League.

Chelsea, this year have been poor, since January they have slid out of the top-four, out of the Carabao Cup and raised some questions among the regulars as to whether or not Conte is still the right man for the job. While the Italian’s future hangs in the balance, the team are doing nothing to help matters, making it a whole mess right now.

Following the 1-1 draw with West Ham last week, surely today Conte will aim to get the fire back in the Chelsea players’ belly with a win – something they’ve not experienced since the start of March in the league. Conte needs a big performance from his players today, and a shake-up of the team that showed no fight or courage against the Hammers will surely be at the top of his mind.

With that in mind, our landlord takes a look at what TWO players that should come into the side at the expense of Cesc Fabregas…

Pedro

The Spaniard is essential in making Chelsea tick when he’s at his best. His eye for a pass and general coolness on the pitch is what the Blues need right now in a time of trouble. Pedro has been here before and knows that, as he is one of the more experienced players in the squad, its part of his job to get this team going again.

Being his creative and acute self should give Chelsea a different edge against a tough Saints side who will be hard to break down.

Olivier Giroud

Having missed out on starting against West Ham, with Conte preferring to go with Alvaro Morata, Giroud will be desperate to get amongst the goals once again and fire the Blues to a much-needed win. Indeed, Conte could turn to a 433 and have a very attacking front three with the Frenchman being the focal point.

The forward has struggled for goals so far this year and a lucky strike or a pot-shot that will go in could be the turning point in his and Chelsea’s season.