The third round of the EFL Cup has thrown up a cracking early fixture as the Premier League heavyweights enter the competition for the first time this season, with Chelsea visiting champions Leicester.
With the Blues having no European football to speak of on the calendar this season, the EFL Cup, gains more importance than it might have in other seasons, as Conte looks to bring back the winning feeling to Stamford Bridge.
England’s secondary domestic cup offers a great opportunity for certain members of the squad to showcase their talent as they look to force their way into the first team.
Five time winners, Chelsea, head to the King Power off the back of a 2-1 home defeat to Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool side in the second instalment of Friday Night Football this season.
With such a disappointing loss still in the back of his mind, the former Juventus boss may want to bring in some fresh faces in order to liven up his side. With that in mind, here are the THREE we here at Shoot! can grab Conte his win…
Nathaniel Chalobah
Photo: Marc Atkins / Offside.
The 21-year-old has been sent out on loan on six different occasions by the Blues and is yet to be given an appearance by his parent club, meaning it is about time he was given a go in the first team.
Chalobah is a regular England U21 international, and had a solid pre-season under Conte and therefore would be desperate for his chance to impress in a competitive fixture, just the sort of desire that could get the London side back to winning ways.
Marcos Alonso
Photo: Marc Atkins / Offside.
Antonio Conte’s late summer signing is still to make his debut for the Blues and will be ready and waiting for his boss’ call and his chance to impress.
The former Bolton man, alongside David Luiz, was the Italian’s answer to his defensive concerns over the summer, so fans will want to see what he’s got.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek
Photo: Charlotte Wilson
Former Chelsea boss Gus Hiddink, showed great faith in the 20-year-old towards the back end of last season, giving the midfielder plenty of first team action. However, this season he has been limited to just one EFL Cup appearance, in which he picked up an assist.
The England U21 international could be just the man to spark some desire for Conte’s side at the King Power on Tuesday night.