Conte’s shift to a 3-man defence has seen a brilliant turnaround for his team this season in the league. The gaffer has rightly focused on the team’s area of strength by reducing the weak link to a lot of extent. Their thumping 4-0 win over Manchester United was the perfect example of a rejuvenated team.
Their next task could be pretty tricky. The Blues will be facing West Ham United away from home, visiting the London Stadium for the first time. Slaven Bilic’s team have had a mixed start to the season this year despite having a lot of expectations from the fans after their positive performance last season.
West Ham have lost to Chelsea 3 times in their last 5 meetings with one win and a draw. Chelsea will take on Southampton after the Cup game and the Saints can’t be taken lightly considering their recent form, so Conte could rest a few big names for that clash.
Defence
Conte will surely stick to the 3 at the back system as it has done wonders so far, but he will have to rest some of his first team players, namely, Gary Cahill, David Luiz, and Cesar Azpilicueta. Conte will have an eye on the Southampton fixture and we expect him to definitely make changes at the back.
With John Terry very much fit, it was more than surprising to see the old man absent in Chelsea’s lineup. However, a League Cup game is always a second priority and we expect Terry to come in the starting lineup. Branislav Ivanovic is not yet back to training fully. Hence, Ola Aina will get a start on the right back position.
Asmir Begovic will start surely considering that Conte opted for him in their last League Cup away win at Leicester City.
Midfield
Conte is expected to rest N’Golo Kanté, one of his key players. His brilliant goal against United capped off a great hardworking performance and he has earned a rest. With Cesc Fabregas also out with injury scheduled for a late return this month, we expect Oscar to play in the attacking role. Loftus-Cheek was brilliant in his last League Cup and could partner Oscar. Willian should get the nod now with Pedro on the opposite flank. CHalobah could partner Matic in the middle.
Attack
Conte could rest Diego Costa and put Batshuayi up front as the main striker. The centre-forward is yet to start in a full-fledged manner for the team and had also started in the last League Cup.
