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Chelsea are making an earlier than usual entrance to the League Cup, which has had a big rebranding over the summer. The Blues usually start this competition in September, but sides who don’t qualify for Europe join in the second round. Can they avoid an early upset against Bristol Rovers?

This clash against the League One side is a brand new experience for Antonio Conte. The Italian is used to having the Coppa Italia, but he has two domestic cups to negotiate this term. His first task is finding a way past League One outfit Bristol Rovers, which is going to be very different to his challenges so far.

Rovers have made a mixed start to life in the third tier, having made back to back promotions to get out of the National League. The Gas have won once in three clashes, but they dumped out Championship side Cardiff in the first round of the EFL Cup. They are eying up an even bigger giant killing at Stamford Bridge.

Following the Football League’s rebranding to become the EFL, they’ve also renamed their main cup competition. That links it closer with the league itself, but it’s hardly the most appealing of names. However, this is a trophy that the Blues have enjoyed in recent years, and it could be one Conte takes to.

Jose Mourinho’s first and second Chelsea spells were built on winning this trophy. The early final means sides who win it take confidence into the run in. It also gives the new manager a chance to get his first cup on the board quickly. That would be huge given he doesn’t have any European silverware to chase.

While it’s strange to think of players being rested after just two games, expect to see a much changed side for this clash. The established stars will probably sit this one out, with quite a few youngsters introduced. It gives Conte an opportunity to look at his fringe players, and could possibly prompt him to dive back into the transfer market.

Strangely, this is the first time these two sides have met, so this isn’t just a first for Conte. He’ll have to prepare to face a side that his team know little about, which is always tough. We’ve seen enough cup upsets at Stamford Bridge in recent years to know that anything can happen, so a win here can’t be taken for granted.

This isn’t the kind of tie the Blues want at this stage of the season, but it’s the first big reminder of last season’s disappointment. The club need to get refocused on delivering success, and that should start with a cup win. Hopefully the fans can move past this early return to cup again and push a much changed team to a much needed victory.

LCN Verdict: Chelsea to win 4-1

Can Chelsea make it two wins from two when they head to Vicarage Road on Saturday? After a late victory against West Ham on Monday evening, Antonio Conte leads his side to face the other Italian arrival to the Premier League, Walter Mazzarri. The new Blues boss will be more than keen to get one over his compatriot. He’ll be hoping for an easier time of things than his side experienced on Monday night.

Conte’s men had to grow into the game against the Hammers, but they eventually took the three points. While there were a few worrying moments in that display, there are encouraging signs. Any team who is prepared to fight until the very last moments for points has spirit, and that’s something Chelsea missed last term. The new boss is already making improvements.

There won’t be much call for Conte to switch approach from the last match. His switch from 4-1-4-1 to 4-4-2 may have changed the game, but don’t expect to see Michy Batshuayi on the pitch from the start. That’s a partnership that will likely be worked on, one which will bloom later on. For now, there’s little reason to tinker with this team.

Watford started off the season with a 1-1 draw at Southampton, which isn’t the worst result. They kept their strong forward line of Odion Ighalo and Troy Deeney, lining up in a 3-5-2 formation. Chelsea didn’t have too many defensive problems on Monday, but their backline is starting to creek. Having started the past three seasons with the same four players, they look like they need some new blood.

Conte’s defence will be tested by Watford’s front two. Deeney may have come back from the break carrying a little weight, but he and Ighalo are Watford’s main threats. Playing against a front two will be a big test for Gary Cahill and John Terry, given how the pair performed last term. This year they have the bonus of N’Golo Kante protecting them.

The Frenchman was the only player to start against West Ham who wasn’t in the team on the opening day last term. While he was the only change, he signalled a different approach from Conte. Nemanja Matic played a box-to-box role in central midfield, while Oscar also dug in to defensive work in the middle of the park. That’s going to be needed to combat the work of Watford’s central midfield three.

Chelsea can expect a tough afternoon against the Hornets, going up against a defensively solid side with a strong front two. Conte is perfectly placed to deal with those problems, so we’re expecting a good display from the Blues. They drew 0-0 here last term under Guus Hiddink, there was little to report about that clash. This one could be similarly tight between two Italian coaches, but we’re backing the Blues to just edge it with a 1-0 victory.

LCN Verdict: Chelsea to win 1-0

Chelsea are looking to put last season behind them in their Premier League opener. West Ham head to Stamford Bridge on Monday night after a busy summer, can they improve on their seventh placed finish last term? That was three spots above the Blues, but can Antonio Conte inspire a better campaign this time around?

After a lot of preseason experimenting, we still aren’t entirely sure how Conte plans to set up his side. Hopefully the manager has a clearer idea, but you feel like he’s not finished adding to his squad just yet. After just two summer signings, it does feel like more is needed. Especially if the Italian is planning to push forward with his preferred 4-2-4 formation.

We’ve seen some big switches so far, with Eden Hazard shaping up as a forward. The two in midfield look to be playing pretty deep, which suits Nemanja Matic and N’Golo Kante. Quite what that would mean for Oscar’s future is another story. With Michy Batshuayi and Diego Costa pushing to start, going with two up front might suit this Chelsea side.

That could lead to a few goals, at both ends of the pitch. Conte hasn’t added at centre-half, and he’s still without Kurt Zouma. In an era of the Premier League where everyone is getting a star or two, the Blues might have some defensive troubles. West Ham have just had a fantastic season, and they’ve been busy adding to their squad. They’ve got depth, plus they are pairing Dimitri Payet up with Andre Ayew.

That attack might spell problems for this Chelsea team. Conte is picking from last season’s defence, so there’s unlikely to be any surprises. Thibaut Courtois should start in goal. In front of him will be Branislav Ivanovic, John Terry, Gary Cahill and Cesar Azpilicueta.

Those five didn’t have the best of years last time out. Will Conte’s defensive acumen be enough to improve their fortunes? This is certainly going to be a big test for the backline. With Andy Carroll, Enner Valencia and Ayew to call upon up front, the Hammers have a lot of variation as well as Payet’s brilliance. Carroll’s record against John Terry makes him a likely starter.

Overall this is going to be a great insight into Conte’s approach. The friendly games didn’t give that much away, this is where his work really begins. With a new formation, approach and a lot of bruised egos to reassure, the opening games will be a juggling act.

Conte is likely to have more time than any Chelsea manager. Most go for failing to win a major trophy, but Conte can’t really be expected to haul this side from 10th to top. The aim needs to be righting the wrongs of last year, establishing something that won’t just fall apart again. They need to play as a team, while Conte will implement solid foundations. Monday night will show us how close they are to reaching that target.

LCN Verdict: Chelsea to win 2-1

Chelsea’s final game of the season sees them taking on league champions Leicester. The Foxes have had a brilliant campaign, and they sit 10 points clear at the summit. Will they round off their season with another victory, or can the Blues restore some pride with a strong showing?

Of course, this game was meant to be a send-off for John Terry. The Blues’ captain looks set to leave this summer, so this clash would have been his final game for the Pensioners. But his red card last weekend means he’s missing out here, and he’ll be forced to watch from the stands as this season draws to a close.

It will, however, be a send-off for Guus Hiddink, who is taking charge of his last game. It’s not quite as special as his finale first time round, when he won the FA Cup. Still, the Dutchman has done a solid job since replacing Jose Mourinho, he’s stabilised the club, and guided them into the top half of the table. Things could have been much worse.

Despite that, Blues fans would have been hoping for much better. They’ll be delighted to see the back of this terrible campaign, one that has led to plenty of disappointment at the Bridge. Will this game go the same way, or can Chelsea get one over the newly crowned champions?

Recent form has been mixed for the Blues, they did do well against Tottenham and Liverpool, but they fell apart against Sunderland. For this final game, you’d expect the team will be able to produce something better than their match at the Stadium of Light. They do need to step things up, as they’re facing the champions.

Leicester may have little to play for, but they’re not the kind of side to give up now that the title is won. They were at their best against Everton last weekend, and they’ll be aiming to produce the same again here. They are a team who always gives their all and they’ll be fully focused ahead of this game, with certain individuals still in the hunt for various plaudits.

Jamie Vardy is just a goal behind Harry Kane in the race for the Golden Boot. Kasper Schmeichel is up for the Golden Glove award, with three other keepers level with him in the fight for that award. They’re all locked on 16 clean sheets this term, and if the Foxes’ stopper gets one at the Bridge, he’s guaranteed to at least share that award.

The Blues made their backing of Leicester public a few weeks ago, so they shouldn’t mind giving the Foxes a guard of honour on their visit this week. The clash between the last two English champions will get plenty of attention, even without anything being on the line. Chelsea can put on a strong showing here, ending a poor year on a high note and giving Hiddink a decent send-off.

LCN Verdict: 1-1 Draw

Chelsea head to the North East on Saturday to take on a struggling Sunderland side this weekend. While the Blues have little to play for, the Black Cats are fighting for their lives. Will Guus Hiddink be able to get his side up for this clash, or will they hand Sunderland a lifeline in the battle to avoid the drop?

Following the incredible game with Tottenham on Monday night, Chelsea are ninth in the league table. They can’t get much higher than that, and right now their league position doesn’t really matter. Sunderland are in a much more important fight, as they look to claw their way to safety.

The Chelsea players’ motivation is the big question ahead of this game. They were clearly up for the match with Spurs, some in the squad admitted that openly. That late push to get level was better than anything the team have done this season. But will they put on a show like that again?

There’s no great rivalry with Sunderland, and they have no real interest in the relegation fight. The players should want to win every game, but the fact that they suddenly turned it on for a crunch game with Tottenham is worrying. Have they just been sitting in first gear all season? And if they have, why hasn’t anyone sorted that out?

There are teams who tend to give up at this stage of the season, they’re also sitting around ninth as well. Once mid-table sides resign themselves to having nothing to play for, thoughts turn to their summer break. Hopefully Guus Hiddink can inspire his side ahead of this one, so that they can finish the season strongly.

There’s a chance that John Terry is in his last run of games at the club. While he’s not officially signed for anyone else yet, he’s also not been offered a new deal. The captain returned to the side on Monday night, and he’s set to start again on Saturday. As things stand, his final game will come against champions Leicester at Stamford Bridge.

Hiddink put out a very strong side against Tottenham, but expect a few changes here. This will be another chance for a few younger players to get a start. We’re also hoping that Eden Hazard starts once again, the decision to drop him against Spurs is still a baffling one.

However they line up at the weekend, hopefully they can repeat the display against Tottenham here. Not only do the travelling faithful deserve it, but it also ruins the relegation fight when teams just surrender points to those at the bottom. Hopefully the Blues will put up a fight here, with just three games left. After this they face Liverpool away and then Leicester, and fans will be desperate to see them finish an awful season on a high note.

LCN Verdict: 1-1 draw

Chelsea play their penultimate home game of the season on Monday night against Tottenham. The Premier League champions might already have lost their trophy by the time this game kicks off. If not, then this will be a massive fixture in the title race, with Spurs still in with a shout. Sadly, that’s a race that the Blues are ridiculously far off. Can they salvage some pride with a result against their rivals on Monday?

Guus Hiddink’s men looked to be king makers in the title race, given how they face the top two in their last two home matches. That all changed in last Monday’s game, which saw Spurs slip up to West Brom. That has left Leicester one victory away from sealing the title, and they head to Old Trafford on Sunday. Regardless of the result in that game, if Chelsea avoid defeat here, they’ll surrender their status as champions.

That’s something that the Blues actually want to happen. Eden Hazard and Cesc Fabregas have both been open about their preference in the title race. They may simply be playing to the fans, but they have both said they don’t want Spurs winning the title. That certainly adds extra spice to this clash, as if it needed any.

While it’s fair for the players to make statements like that, you have to think that it might not be their place. It’s fine for them to take a dislike to a rival, but they should maybe avoid talking about the title race. After all, this is a race that they missed out on following an almost unprecedented collapse. Probably better if they don’t bring it up!

The team will have to overcome several injuries in order to stop Spurs. John Terry has yet to return, and there’s been no update on when he’ll be back. Loic Remy is struggling for fitness, while Kurt Zouma continues to miss out. Thibaut Courtois is suspended for the game, so Asmir Begovic will continue in goal.

We should see few changes to the side following the impressive win at Bournemouth last weekend. It was one of their best displays all season, so it makes sense that most of that side will keep their place. John Obi Mikel impressed at centre back on Saturday, but Gary Cahill should be ready to come back in his place. The Nigerian would be a worry at the back against the likes of Harry Kane.

Dele Alli is set to miss the game, he’s been charged with violent conduct by the FA. He could possibly miss the end of the season, after he was alleged to have punched West Brom’s Claudio Yacob in their last match.

Even without Alli, Spurs are a very dangerous side. They haven’t won at Stamford Bridge since 1990, and they’ll be itching to put that right. While they’re having a great season, we expect the Blues to hold out and deny Spurs the win they need in a tight game.

LCN Verdict: 1-1 draw

Chelsea head to Bournemouth on Saturday with, amazingly, just three points separating the sides in the table. The Blues are 10th, but they face a fight to stay in the top half given their awful recent form. Following back to back defeats, the team now have to pull themselves together ahead of their final five games of the season.

The first of those matches is away to a side who have already beaten them this term. Bournemouth won at Stamford Bridge earlier in the season, one of the many low points in the first half of the campaign. Another defeat here would be dreadful from the team, after they meekly surrendered their unbeaten run and lost back to back games.

Bournemouth, on the other hand, know they could achieve an incredible feat by finishing in the top half in their debut season in the league and that despite some terrible injuries to star players. They may be 13th, but they have the chance to close the gap in this clash, against a team they’ve already won against. On top of that, the Cherries are much improved now from their win against Chelsea last year.

With forward Callum Wilson now back in the squad, there’s a lot more goal threat in this side. He’ll be a massive boost to this team, and the striker could have a field day here. He’s up against a makeshift Chelsea defence, one which is missing Thibaut Courtois through suspension.

Asmir Begovic will step in between the sticks, while John Terry could well miss out once again. Last weekend saw Gary Cahill and Branislav Ivanovic at centre-half against Manchester City. There’s little pace in that pairing, and unfortunately there are few options for Guus Hiddink to change things.

The Dutchman is likely to be without Eden Hazard, and he said the midfielder is in a dark place right now. There are only limited options to change the team, but hopefully the manager can find a way to alter how they’re playing. Recent performances have lacked any kind of motivation, which has led to two horrible results and performances.

Bournemouth have the work ethic and ability to make this a tough game for the Blues as well. Eddie Howe’s men are still working hard despite already getting themselves clear of relegation. They have a chance to complete a double over the reigning champions and that would cap a great season for them.

Chelsea are drifting towards the end of the campaign with next to nothing to motivate them. It’s hard to see what exactly they’ll be playing for on Saturday. Hiddink will likely rotate his side as much as possible, but his team seem like they’ve already got their sandals on. The way the team are playing, a win here would be a huge surprise. It shows just how far the club have fallen when a draw away at Bournemouth would be considered an improvement.

LCN Verdict: 1-1 draw

Chelsea face Champions League semi-finalists Manchester City on Saturday evening, as the Blues look to bounce back from defeat at Swansea. After that awful performance at the Liberty, Guus Hiddink called on his men to step up. Will the Dutchman ring the changes after that display, or will he stick with the same side ahead of this clash?

Hiddink will have Diego Costa available again after suspension, and the forward should make a welcome return to the team. Alexandre Pato hasn’t really impressed in his two recent appearances. With Costa back, the Blues have genuine goal threat. Against Swansea, they clearly struggled going forward. At least now they’ll have some cutting edge.

As for the rest of the team, it will be interesting to see just how much Hiddink relies on youth. He’s played a few youngsters so far, but will he keep them in against City? It would be a good learning curve for them, but they could well be overpowered by a very strong City side.

Manuel Pellegrini’s men put in a Chelsea-like performance against PSG in midweek. Not the recent kind of poor Chelsea performance, but the solid, tough to beat European displays the team used to have regularly. That team is gone now, but they’re being emulated by City. What makes it even harder to swallow is that a former Chelsea player, Kevin De Bruyne, scored the winner for them against PSG.

This game will show Chelsea just how far the team has fallen, it’s certainly one that Antonio Conte should be watching. The side he takes over are about to have a massive examination, and it’s hard to see them passing it. City are a strong side full of pace, although they do have a soft defence.

This City side are Champions League semi-finalists, but they’ll be completely changed for next season. Pep Guardiola will have them playing a different way, and most likely pushing for the title. Not only do Chelsea have to match City now, they have to find a way to catch up while the Manchester side improve.

So, while Chelsea don’t have anything to play for right now, this is a big game for them. A performance like the one at Swansea can’t be allowed to happen again, even if the team is practically on holiday. Not only does it make the champions look bad, but it’s also bad for the league. Even with nothing to play for, Chelsea have to push for a win to keep the league competitive and show they might challenge next season.

Hopefully we will see a bit more fight from the Blues, and possibly even a statement of intent. They can’t catch City this season, but they’ll be hoping to next term. A win here would send out a message that they can do that. However, given how Hiddink’s time at Stamford Bridge has gone, another draw looks likely.

LCN Verdict: 1-1 draw

Chelsea head to the Liberty Stadium on Saturday with little to play for, but they’ll be hoping to continue their strong away form. Guus Hiddink has enjoyed more joy away from home than at Stamford Bridge in his second spell. Right now, the team are on the longest unbeaten run of any side in the top flight, can Swansea find a way to end that?

There is an outside chance of the Blues landing Europa League football for next season. They’re 10th, so they’re a few places off as things stand. But, with only three points separating them and seventh, there is a chance. First they’d need one of the top six, either West Ham or Man United, to win the cup. On top of that, the Blues need a huge run of form, and results going their way.

But, given that the Blues have already tied up dates in the US during pre-season, it’s likely that an early Europa League start isn’t what they want in any case. There’s probably more money to be made from a few pre-season games in America than in a run to the final of Europe’s second competition.

The upside of that is Hiddink is now free to play his younger players and those who are on the fringe of the squad. Had the board been desperate for European football, it’s likely we’d see the first 11 featuring from here on in. That’s opened places up for people who could be at the Bridge for years, and hopefully they can impress in the final few weeks of this woeful campaign.

Matt Miazga and Alexandre Pato were both given appearances at Villa Park last weekend, and they both impressed. They’ve arguably earnt another week in the team, while Kenedy will hopefully get another shot. The Brazilian had to come off at half time last weekend after travelling back from his home country for internationals.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek is another who deserves more game time, after he scored against Villa last weekend. Given a run in a more advanced position, he showed a lot of potential. If he can repeat that kind of performance against a Swansea side who press the ball and defend well, then he’s on the right track.

This Swans side have put together a good run on their way to securing safety, and they’ll be looking to finish strongly. The Blues won 5-0 at the Liberty last season, but this fixture has usually been a lot tougher than that. The Welsh outfit will surely be a difficult obstacle for Hiddink’s men this weekend.

While a winning run is exactly what the “higher ups” at the club want, they’ll still be pretty happy. Following Antonio Conte’s appointment, they’ll be hoping for this squad to build up some momentum ahead of a massive season next time around. We’re backing the team to get another good result here, edging them a little closer to the top sides.

LCN Verdict: Chelsea to win 2-1