Our Chelsea fans here in the Transfer Tavern are hoping that Antonio Conte has got some answers in today’s FA Cup semi-final against Southampton, as they desperately want to match the result of last week when the teams met in a thrilling five-goal match, that the Blues came out on top of.

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 can do a little something about it by progressing to their second final in two years under the Italian.

Following the 3-1 win over the Saints last week, surely today Conte will aim to get the same fire back in the Chelsea players’ belly with another win – something they’ve not experienced a lot of since the start of the year. 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 in the previous week will surely be at the top of his mind.

With that in mind, however, our landlord takes a look at what TWO players Conte should lay the blame on if they were to give a West Ham like performance…

Cesc Fabregas

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. Fabregas 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.

However, if he goes missing in this crucial match and doesn’t supply the frontline with the balls they need – the key ingredient to the team will be the brunt of all criticism come Sunday evening.

Olivier Giroud

Having missed out on starting against Southampton, with Conte preferring to go with Alvaro Morata, Giroud will be sure to start after his super-sub appearance fired 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, if he doesn’t step up to the mark like last time – questions will surely be asked of the Frenchman