Chelsea host Manchester City on Wednesday evening in what could prove to be a crucial match as the race for the Premier League title reaches the closing stages.
Saturday afternoon’s shock 2-1 defeat at home to Crystal Palace allowed second placed Tottenham to close the gap on the Blues to seven points, after Mauricio Pochettino’s men saw off Burnley in a 2-0 victory at Turf Moor.
The defeat saw Chelsea’s 12 match unbeaten run in all competitions come to an end, while City have not tasted defeat in the league since a 4-0 drubbing away to Everton in January, nine matches ago.
Goals from Diego Costa, Willian and Eden Hazard saw the Blues run out 3-1 winners against Pep Guardiola’s men in the feisty reverse fixture at the Etihad.
Sergio Aguero’s high tackle on David Luiz saw him receive a straight red card in injury time, while Fernandinho also saw red in the aftermath of the challenge.
Victor Moses missed the defeat to Crystal Palace with a calf problem, but may be fit enough to feature on Wednesday.
Here’s who we think will start on Wednesday’s crucial fixture.
GK - Thibaut Courtois
The Belgian committed himself far too easily for Christian Benteke’s winner on Saturday in my opinion but did make one or two excellent saves towards the latter stages of the match.
He’ll need to be at his best against a strong City side.
RWB - Victor Moses
Moses was sorely missed on Saturday and needs to start against City if he’s fit.
If he’s not, I’d like to see Conte bring Cesar Azpilicueta into the wing-back spot, Pedro in the front three and Kurt Zouma in the back three.
The Italian was coy on whether or not Moses would be fit enough but could be brought back into the fold after Saturday’s disappointing defensive display.
CB - Cesar Azpilicueta
A rare off day for Azpilicueta at the weekend and the Spaniard will be determined to help the Blues get back to winning ways on Wednesday.
CB - David Luiz
Another who’s performance was somewhat uncharacteristic on Saturday given his form this season.
But Luiz is a big game player, so he’ll no doubt be up for the fight on Wednesday.
CB- Gary Cahill
Cahill was caught out by Palace’s speed on the counter on Saturday, and will need to be wary of the pace City posses on the break.
LWB - Marcos Alonso
Similarly to Cahill, Alonso was also caught out by Palace’s speed on Saturday, and the Spaniard may need to have an incredibly disciplined game on Wednesday to deal with City’s pace.
CM - N'Golo Kante
Kante could be in for a physical battle in the middle on Wednesday, but that’ll be no problem for the industrious midfielder.
CM - Nemanja Matic
Matic is another who will be in for a physical encounter against City, but like Kante, that won’t phase the big Serbia international.
RW - Pedro
Pedro is much more effective in this more advanced role, rather than at wing-back where he started against Palace.
The former Barcelona man will relish the chance to get at, what can be, a very shaky City back line.
LW - Eden Hazard
By far Chelsea’s brightest player on Saturday and the Belgian will be desperate to make it two goals in two games against City this season.
ST - Diego Costa
Costa hasn’t been at the races for the past few matches now and has really looked off the pace.
His first touch seems to have deserted him and there’s no doubt the Blues would have at least drawn with Palace on Saturday had Costa had his shooting boots on.