The Chelsea fans in the Transfer Tavern have been delighted with the Blues’ form so far this season…

Antonio Conte has got Chelsea playing fantastically, with the Blues currently top of the pile in the Premier League.

One outstanding criticism of Conte’s management thus far, however, is that he has relied on the same set of 11 players to see him through the season.

He has found a team that works, and works very well, and as a result – he has, thus far, seen no reason to change it.

As a result, there are a number of players in the Chelsea ranks that are, at this point, wasting away at Stamford Bridge – and our landlord thinks that January could represent a decent time in which to move a few of Conte’s spare parts on.

With that said, it’s definitely time for Conte to say bye to these two players in January…

Oscar

Oscar has seen his game-time diminish significantly this season, with his natural number 10 position made irrelevant in Conte’s new 3-4-3 formation.

The Brazilian has looked good in parts, but he has always been inconsistent – and that is a serious problem.

He has yet to prove himself as a winger or a deep-lying midfielder and without that, there is simply no route back into the Chelsea first team.

He is still young, though, and he still has more than enough time to build a career away from Stamford Bridge.

Branislav Ivanovic

Branislav Ivanovic has been a spectacular servant for Chelsea – but his time in the Blues’ first team is over.

He has been really poor over the last year or two, and that poor form was exploited consistently during Chelsea’s poor season last year.

His form didn’t get any better this season, and he has since been replaced by Victor Moses in the Chelsea first team.

Going forward, you would imagine that his game-time will be limited – and with his contract expiring at the end of the season, it could make sense for Conte to try and make a small chunk of change in January.

Agree, Blues fans? Let us know below!