There is an abundance of opinions on Michy Batshuayi.
Some think the Belgian isn’t qualified to be one of Chelsea’s only two strikers while others believe he doesn’t get the credit he deserves.
Just over a week ago he was slammed for his performance against Crystal Palace when the Blues were surprisingly beaten 2-1. But then last Saturday he proved the hero as he came off the bench to score two late goals in a dramatic comeback win over Watford.
So after that, does he deserve a place in the starting XI when Chelsea play Bournemouth this weekend? We think not.
This is the XI we think Antonio Conte should pick…
Alvaro Morata hasn’t found the back of the net in his last four appearances for Chelsea, but he remains by far the outstanding choice at Conte’s disposal.
The Italian tactician hinted that he could be tempted to play both of them this week.
‘Last season was difficult for him but it was also difficult for me,’ Conte said on Wednesday after Chelsea beat Everton 2-1 in the EFL Cup. ‘Now he’s ready to start and come out and during the game and have a good impact. Sometimes if I decide to play with two strikers, maybe I don’t know, but it’s important to know I can count on him.’
We still think Chelsea will work best with the formation that won them the title last season, despite some poor performances in recent weeks. And having Batshuayi on the bench gives Chelsea a seriously lethal option to bring on should they need it.
Alongside Morata, Willian made a case for himself by scoring what turned out to be the winning goal against Everton in midweek. But Pedro has been excellent of late, scoring and assisting against Watford, and must retain his place.
Victor Moses is also still injured, which sees the defence virtually pick itself.
Chelsea injury list
Victor Moses – return not known
N’Golo Kante – expected back Nov 4
In midfield, summer signing Danny Drinkwater is now an option having made his first appearance in midweek. The former Leicester player looked typically assured in midfield but Tiemou Bakayoko and Cesc Fabregas remain ahead in the pecking order for now. With Bournemouth likely to set up defensively, they offer more going forward than Drinkwater and alternate option Andreas Christensen. N’Golo Kante is still sidelined with an injury.
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