This week’s round of EFL Cup fixtures really are inspiring. It’s coming to the point where the so-called lesser cup competition is regularly eclipsing the FA Cup in terms of quality and with Liverpool having played Spurs, the Manchester Derby being on its way and Southampton facing Sunderland, this year’s instalment is set for an exciting Round of 16.

Among the fixtures is Chelsea hosting West Ham. Although there are a few London derbies per-season, the Blues and the Hammers are two in-form teams and both are sure to have serious ambitions in this competition, making this fixture potentially the best of the mid-week action.

Indeed, neither club is in Europe, which means that they can field some of their first-team regulars, while the chance of a Wembley final will appeal to Antonio Conte in his first few months at the club and Slaven Bilic given the pressure he’s been under of late.

We at FFC Towers are excited about this one, and we think Chelsea will see off the Claret and Blues if they pick this win-guaranteeing XI.

GK – Asmir Begovic

The Bosnian started the last EFL Cup game for the Blues against Leicester and is more than likely to be fielded again. With the Bosnian being the Londoners’ back-up stopper, it’s often forgotten just how good he is. Maybe he will be able to use the competition as a shop window with January looming.

CB – John Terry

Having returned from injury but missed out on a role in the 4-0 battering of Man United on the weekend – he remained on the bench at Stamford Bridge – it’s logical that Conte will thrust his skipper into this tie. Terry needs game time and his manager has to find out if he’s suited to the three-man rearguard he’s brought in while the veteran defender has been out of action.

CB – David Luiz

Chelsea have a few options at the back, but Luiz stands out above others given the fact that he still needs game time as part of his adjustment back to life in English football. With Chelsea also in less regular action than other title rivals, they can afford to keep a few big players involved in the EFL Cup.

CB – Cesar Azpilicueta

The Spaniard can play just about anywhere and is has really become Chelsea’s Mr Reliable over the past few years. Once again, we expect to see him at centre-back as part of a three-man unit.

RWB – Victor Moses

The shock member of Conte’s side this season has been Moses. The Nigerian has been shunted out to the likes of Liverpool, West Ham and Stoke on loan in recent seasons, and just when it looked like his Blues career was finally over, he’s been welcomed back into the fold.

As a right-sided wing-back, Moses’ attacking qualities are utilised, but his weaknesses in terms of end product are not highlighted in the way they have been in the past. Even though he’s been a regular of late, another game in the role will only help his adjustment.

CM – Nathaniel Chalobah

Seemingly ahead of the long talked-about Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Chalobah is a good bet for a game against West Ham. The 21-year-old is yet to play more than 25 minutes in a single game this term, but his assist for Moses against Leicester just over a week ago showed that he’s growing in confidence and is indeed ready to knock on the door for a regular role – he even came on against Man United on Sunday.

CM – Nemanja Matic

Quickly becoming a re-born player, Matic’s experience will be needed alongside Chalobah. The rugged Serbian has looked a lot more composed than he appeared for much of last season, even if the performances of the title-winning 2014/15 season are becoming a distant memory.

LWB – Marcos Alonso

The Spaniard was one of a flurry of late signings during the summer and took a little while to break into Conte’s plans. Like Moses on the other flank, his weaknesses are masked at wing-back, while his energy and strengths are highlighted.

RF – Oscar

The Brazilian was on the bench as Chelsea battered Man United on Sunday, and his lack of game time means he should be fresh. Oscar is seemingly a player Conte doesn’t truly appreciate, but he may be tempted to give him a go against the Hammers.

ST – Michy Batshuayi

All logic points towards Diego Costa being rested and Batshuayi being played. The Belgian has barely featured since his £33m switch to the west of London over the summer and will be eager to prove a point against West Ham as he looks to engineer a route into Conte’s main XI.

LF – Willian

Willian made a late appearance after returning from leave to come on as a substitute against Man United and Conte will be eager to get him involved for a full 90 minutes.