Our Chelsea fans here in the Transfer Tavern are hoping to bounce back after their defeat to Man United last weekend.

Chelsea are in the middle of probably one of the worst run of fixtures our regulars have seen across Europe in recent times, sandwiched between two Champions League ties against Barcelona were away visits to both Manchester clubs. Moreover, Chelsea are yet to register a win in the first two matches, with a draw and a loss against fellow top-four rivals United.

Antonio Conte seems to have his work cut out this season and a visit to a side who’ve just won the first trophy of the season is not the easiest of games to be going in to after a defeat, according to our barman. Indeed, it’s going to be a very tough test for the Blues.

Conte really needs to get the Blues firing again, or fear of missing out of the top-four altogether. He needs to keep things fresh and a rotation of players will have to be used again today. So, with that in mind, here’s a look at TWO flops he should axe at the Etihad today.

Alvaro Morata

The striker is misfiring of late and Conte has preferred to play Olivier Giroud in his place, which may be a factor into why the Spaniard’s form is down. The punters in the back room feel that Conte doesn’t fully trust either player and needs to gain a real quality striker in the summer.

Giroud may once again come in for Morata and be used as a focal point of the attack, to cause the City defence a headache or two.

Antonio Rudiger

Antonio Rudiger didn’t have the best of games against United and he may be the player to be dropped in favour of the more experienced Gary Cahill. Even though Cahill isn’t having his best seasons so far, his experience of playing against the top sides in the Premier League will prove unrivalled.

Cahill needs to put in a captain’s performance against the top of the league, to prove he is still worthy of a starting spot.