The festive period is in full swing, and Antonio Conte has yet another side to pick ahead of the weekend…

Victory against Bournemouth on Boxing Day proved far easier than expected for Antonio Conte, with the team that he selected doing the business for the 12th game in a row.

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Now, with several of Chelsea’s key men back in the fold – the Blues will be expected to comfortably dispatch Stoke City on Saturday.

Both Diego Costa and N’Golo Kante have now returned from their suspensions, and given that they have been two of Chelsea’s most important players – victory should be a foregone conclusion.

Conte will have a few tough decisions on his hands, not least because of how well his side performed in the last game – though any players that he picks will be expected to get the job done.

With that said, this is the 3-4-3 XI Conte should pick for Chelsea to demolish Stoke City…

 GK – Thibaut Courtois

Thibaut Courtois has played nearly every game this season, and that won’t change against Stoke City.

Departure talk aside, he has been stellar this year – and that will continue.

 CB – Cesar Azpilicueta

Cesar Azpilicueta plays well whenever and wherever he plays – and Stoke City won’t pose much of a problem for him.

 CB – David Luiz

How good is David Luiz?

The Brazilian is undoubtedly one of the Premier League’s best defenders.

 CB – Gary Cahill

Gary Cahill was poor earlier in the season, but he has been much better in recent weeks.

In the absence of John Terry, he has marshalled the defence perfectly.

 LWB – Marcos Alonso

Marcos Alonso has been excellent this season, and whilst he joined under very little fanfare – his form has been outstanding since.

He is perfect defensively and exciting offensively.

 DM – N’Golo Kante

N’Golo Kante missed the game at the weekend, and he will be a welcome addition back into this side.

He was missed, but with a suspension no longer hanging over his head – he will be free to play his way.

 DM – Nemanja Matic

Nemanja Matic and Cesc Fabregas have to tussle it out for this position, but the Serbian just takes the cake.

His height and strength will be vital against a physical Stoke side.

 RWB – Victor Moses

Victor Moses has been excellent in recent weeks, and his fine run of form shows no sign of slowing down.

The perfect wing-back.

 LW – Eden Hazard

Eden Hazard was fantastic against Bournemouth, and Conte will be expecting a repeat performance against Stoke.

He is the perfect winger, and he needs to start scoring more.

 ST – Diego Costa

Diego Costa was suspended against Bournemouth, and whilst the Blues won – they would have been far more deadly with the Spaniard in the side.

He has been the best forward in the league so far, and a goal is to be expected.

 RW – Willian

With Pedro suspended against Stoke City, Willian is likely to take his place.

The Brazilian has deserved a starting role, and he looked good in a fluid false 9 last weekend.

A return to the wing will bring an even better performance.

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