Conte To Hand Midfielder Debut: Predicted Chelsea Line-Up vs West Ham

Chelsea will kick off the new Premier League season with a tricky test against London rivals West Ham at Stamford Bridge this evening. Here is the side we think Antonio Conte will select for the game:

Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois is expected to be retained as the Chelsea No.1 under Conte and will therefore start in goal tonight.

Defence: As Chelsea continue their search for a new centre-back, Conte has limited options at the back. John Terry will once again lead the team out for yet another season and the veteran is expected to be joined by Gary Cahill in the middle of defence.

Kurt Zouma is still working his way back to full fitness following a serious knee injury but Branislav Ivanovic should start at right-back with Cesar Azpilicueta on the left.

Midfield: Conte is set to hand summer signing N’Golo Kante his competitive debut with the midfielder expected to start after completing a move from Leicester City this summer.

Cesc Fabregas is expected to line-up alongside the Frenchman in the middle of the park as doubts continue over the future of Nemanja Matic.

Attack: Eden Hazard will be looking to start the new season on a positive note after a disappointing campaign last year and he should be joined in attack by Willian. Oscar could get the nod in the attacking midfield role with Diego Costa expected to lead the line up front.

The likes of Pedro and summer signing Michy Batshuayi will be among the substitutes and offer Conte options from the bench.

Here is how I think we’ll see Chelsea line-up:

BACK CHELSEA TO WIN AT CRAZY ODDS OF 5/1

What do you think of the line-up? What would be your team?