Chelsea have undergone a host of changes during the summer and the Blues will be starting a new era under passionate Italian manager Antonio Conte.
Conte has earned the reputation as one of the finest managers around Europe over the past few years following the job he has done at Juventus and the Italian national team but the challenge at Chelsea will surely be a huge one for the 47-year-old.
Chelsea have been relatively active in the transfer market this summer by bringing in the likes of N’Golo Kante and Michy Batshuayi for big money and the Blues will surely be looking to mount a title challenge during the upcoming campaign, especially following their disappointment of last season.
The 2014/15 Premier League champions will start off their campaign with a clash against West Ham United at Stamford Bridge on Monday night and the match is sure to be a challenging one for the home side.
Here is the strongest possible Chelsea lineup for the clash against West Ham United –
Goalkeeper
Thibaut Courtois did not enjoy the best of campaigns last term and one can be sure that he will be looking to make amends this season.
There is no doubting that Courtois is one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League at the moment and he will need to perform to his full potential in order for Chelsea to challenge for the title.
Defence
Chelsea have surprisingly not brought in a new defender this summer and with Kurt Zouma still out injured, the experienced duo of John Terry and Gary Cahill look set to be starting on the night against the Hammers.
In the full back positions, Branislav Ivanovic and Cesar Azpilicueta look set to be starting as well and it will be interesting to see if the Blues will be able to stop the dangerous West Ham attack.
Midfield
N’Golo Kante has been the marquee signing for Chelsea this summer and the French international looks set to start at the middle of the park alongside either Nemanja Matic or Cesc Fabregas.
Eden Hazard and Willian will be the players starting on the wide areas and Oscar looks set to be handed the playmakers role behind the lone striker. John Obi Mikel is unavailable as he is currently competing in the Olympics with the Nigerian national team.
Attack
Diego Costa was one of the many Chelsea players who did not enjoy a good season last term but the Spaniard has looked good during pre-season and under the guidance of Conte, he could well return to his brilliant best this season.
