3-4-3: Conte must start this Chelsea XI to dominate Burnley on Saturday

The Chelsea fans in the Transfer Tavern tonight are discussing their favoured starting elevens as they kick off the defence of their title against Burnley.

Antonio Conte’s Chelsea side will begin their defence to the Premier League trophy on Saturday when they play hosts to Burnley.

The current champions of England could have had a better start to their season following their loss to Arsenal on penalties in the Community Shield final this past Sunday.

Unfortunately for Burnley, Conte will want to make an example of Sean Dyche’s side and lay down a marker for the rest of the season.

If Chelsea play as well as they have shown under Conte’s 3-4-3 formation then Burnley shouldn’t put up too much of a fight and the Blues will likely pick up three points to kick off proceedings.

There are a few players like Tiémoué Bakayoko and Eden Hazard who are likely to miss the opening game but still, Chelsea should be winning this one.

With that being said, here is the starting lineup that Antonio Conte should go with to dominate Burnley on Saturday.



One of the best shot stoppers in the world today, Thibaut Courtois was instrumental in Chelsea’s title winning campaign last season and the Belgian will be looking to add to his trophy collection this season too.

It is doubtful he will be called upon much against Burnley but in those few occasions, the 25-year-old will be ready.



The captain of Chelsea is essentially a slightly younger John Terry.

Powerful, strong, fantastic in the air and a good leader.

Gary Cahill will be a rock at the back all season long for Chelsea and all game long against Burnley.



Our landlord has mixed opinions about David Luiz.

Last season was a good season for the Brazilian after his return from PSG but there are times when the centre back can be frustratingly out of position of just not thinking like a defender should.

Despite this, he will be a key player for Chelsea at the back and offers something very different to the traditional Cahill.



Chelsea’s new boy at the back showed glimpses of being something special during the Community Shield final.

His mixture of overwhelming pace and strength make him the middle ground between Cahill and Luiz and at just 24-years-old, he is a player who Conte could turn into a superstar.



Marcos Alonso had a fantastic season during the previous campaign, seemingly coming out of nowhere to wind up as one of the key players at the club.

He is the style of player who fits in perfectly within Conte’s tactics and will be looking to continue to add to his glowing reputation against Burnley.



There isn’t much that can be said about N’Golo Kante that hasn’t already been said.

The sheer amount of ground the midfielder covers each game along with the number of interceptions he makes can derail the best of teams across Europe.



Antonio Conte hasn’t tried to hide the fact he isn’t happy with the depth of his squad.

Whilst Cesc Fabregas still has the ability to be a threat in the Chelsea midfield, there should be a better player occupying that role on the opening day.

New boy Bakayoko will miss the first game as he recovers from surgery so it is unlikely that Fabregas will stay in the starting lineup for long.



Victor Moses was a player reborn last season.

He went from an extremely average winger to a crucial part of Chelsea’s side as a wing back.

The work rate of the Nigerian in both defence and attack will surely be utilised to good effect again on the opening day.



If Eden Hazard was fit for the opening day, he would be occupying this position.

Pedro isn’t a bad replacement by any means, he’s just not Hazard.

Our landlord prefers the combination of Hazard and Willian in all honesty but Pedro has enough ability and experience to be a threat against the likes of Burnley.



Conte has already stated that Alvaro Morata isn’t up to the fitness levels he requires of him.

That, and the fact that he didn’t prove anything to his new boss in the Community Shield final except that he should never take another penalty for the club and Michy Batshuayi should really start this one.

He’s a striker who needs a chance and should he take it, the pressure on Morata might see Conte get the best out of him too.



Willian has divided Chelsea fans opinion over the last few years.

Whilst the Brazilian is talented, he doesn’t necessarily produce the numbers of goals and assists expected of a modern-day winger.

Despite this, he can produce a piece of magic out of nowhere and his pace and power will torment the Burnley defence all day long.

What do you think Chelsea fans? Let us know down below.

Source:footballtransfertavern.com