3-4-3: The Chelsea XI that Conte should pick to beat Peterborough including 7 key changes
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After a hectic festive Premier League schedule, the next stop for Antonio Conte is a game in the FA Cup…
Though the competition will be a new one for Conte, he will be well aware of the gravity of the cup – with the Blues building quite the formidable reputation in England’s premier knockout competition.
Chelsea fans will be expecting a trophy winning campaign this year, and first up en route for Conte is a home game against League One side Peterborough.
Whilst Conte will need to win, he also needs to look at the game in context; and that will likely heavily influence upon his team selection. With games coming every few days at the moment, squad rotation is important – and this game represents an excellent opportunity for Conte to make a few changes.
With that said, this is the Chelsea XI that Conte should pick to beat Peterborough including 7 key changes…
GK – Asmir Begovic
Thibaut Courtois has played constantly in the Premier League, but there is no doubting the fact that Begovic should get a game in the FA Cup.
He is good enough to start each week in the top tier, and so Peterborough shouldn’t pose too much of a threat for him.
CB – Cesar Azpilicueta
Cesar Azpilicueta is consistently fantastic for the Blues, and a lack of depth will mean that he keeps his place in this team.
He’ll have to help out the young player playing on the right.
CB – David Luiz
David Luiz had a poor game against Tottenham, and so will be under pressure to perform in the FA Cup.
He has looked good this year, to be fair, and you would hope that he will bounce back quickly.
CB – Kurt Zouma
Kurt Zouma hasn’t played for Chelsea for close to a year – but he is nearing a full return.
This game represents the perfect chance to embed the young defender into the Chelsea first team, and Conte would be wise to make the call.
He has looked fit whilst playing for Chelsea’s developmental teams.
LWB – Marcos Alonso
A lack of depth on the left means that Conte will have no choice but to start Alonso, who looked good against Tottenham.
He’ll have more of a chance to attack this week.
DM – Nathaniel Chalobah
Nathaniel Chalobah has been itching to get a game in recent weeks, and he simply must start against the Posh.
He has looked excellent when given an opportunity by Conte so far – long may it continue.
DM – Cesc Fabregas
N’Golo Kante and Nemanja Matic could do with a weekend off, and Fabregas will be the perfect midfielder to help out young Chalobah.
He’ll be given a lot of attacking freedom.
RWB – Ola Aina
Victor Moses has played non-stop for the last few weeks, and it is time for him to have a week off.
A lack of senior depth could give Ola Aina a chance to shine – and he looked fantastic in pre-season.
He’s a very attacking wing-back, and so should help Chelsea offer a decent threat.
LW – Pedro
Pedro looked poor against Tottenham, and needs to bounce back with a good performance in the Cup.
Eden Hazard looked tired, and so the Spaniard could place in place of his Belgian teammate.
ST – Michy Batshuayi
Batshuayi didn’t get a chance in the Premier League – but surely he will in the FA Cup?
He needs to score a few goals and lay down a marker.
RW – Willian
Willian is a surefire starter, having not started against Tottenham.
He looked excellent against Stoke last weekend, and you would be hard pressed to find someone who would bet against him scoring.