Chelsea Team News: Conte Confirms These 3 Players Will Start Against Brentford

Chelsea will be looking to book their place in the fifth round of the FA Cup when they take on Brentford at Stamford Bridge on Saturday afternoon.

Ahead of the game, Antonio Conte has been speaking to the media at his pre-match press conference this afternoon and he’s given reporters the latest team and injury news.

The Italian coach was pleased to confirm that Chelsea suffered no fresh injury concerns following last weekend’s win over Hull City at Stamford Bridge as Gary Cahill has recovered well from his clash of heads with Ryan Mason so Conte has a fully-fit squad to choose from.

With Chelsea sitting eight points clear at the top of the Premier League table and a huge trip to Anfield to take on Liverpool coming up on Tuesday night, understandably Conte is ready to rotate his squad this weekend.

A number of key players are expected to be rested and Conte has confirmed that he’ll give some of his fringe players a run-out against Brentford with number two goalkeeper Asmir Begovic set to start despite reports linking him with a move away from the club.

The Bosnian international has been strongly linked with Bournemouth in recent days but Conte says Begovic remains a Chelsea player and will come in for Thibaut Courtois between the sticks tomorrow.

Youngster Nathan Ake is also set to be given his first start after the defender was recalled from his loan spell at Bournemouth while Conte also suggested that Michy Batshuayi will start up front in place of Diego Costa after saying the Brentford game is a good opportunity for the young striker.

Here is what Conte told reporters:

He says there are no new injury concerns ahead of tomorrow's game. #CFC

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) January 27, 2017

Conte says Cahill has overcome the situation following his clash of heads with Ryan Mason and is okay. He wishes Ryan all the best. #CFC

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) January 27, 2017

Conte says tomorrow's game is a good opportunity for him to see players who haven't been involved a lot. He stresses we want to win. #CFC

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) January 27, 2017

Conte says tomorrow's game is another chance for Michy Batshuayi to show his improvement. #CFC

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) January 27, 2017

Conte says Nathan Ake can play as a central defender or wing-back. He says tomorrow is a good opportunity for the Dutchman. #CFC

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) January 27, 2017

Conte stresses Begovic is a Chelsea player and the Italian says the goalkeeper will start tomorrow. #CFC

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) January 27, 2017