Chelsea recorded their tenth straight win against Sunderland on Wednesday night, moving themselves six points clear at the top of the table in the process.

The Black Cats set up unashamedly defensively with six recognised defenders in David Moyes' XI, so it was no surprise that it was a largely frustrating night for the Blues at the Stadium of Light. Their moment of joy did come in the first-half, though, as Cesc Fabregas swept home from the edge of the area to net the only goal of the game.

Next up are free-scoring Crystal Palace, who - although they sit dangerously close to the bottom of the table - have put in some terrific attacking performances of late including scoring four at Swansea, three against Southampton and another three last weekend in their hard-fought draw against Hull City.

If Chelsea are to record an astonishing eleventh consecutive league win in a row, they will need to be at their best defensively.

Here at FootballFanCast we think this Blues XI should get the job done...

GK - Thibaut Courtois

Thibaut Courtois seems to have recovered from his shaky last season and has been back to his dominant best so far this term, for the most part anyway.

It is clear the big Belgian shot-stopper is a confidence player, and with Chelsea on such a fantastic run, and with a solid back four in front of him, he is again beginning to validate the decision to let Petr Cech leave the Bridge.

CB - David Luiz

David Luiz - who many expected to flop during his second spell at the Bridge - has proven he has matured as both a player and a defender, showing us his solidity and excellent reading of the game while taking fewer silly gambles at the back.

He's a shoo-in vs. Palace

CB - Gary Cahill

Gary Cahill's return to form has pleased the Chelsea fans as his shocker of a last season was very out of character for the usually reliable Englishman.

His renewed partnership with Luiz and improved confidence in the Brazilian has done his overall game and his own self-belief wonders.

CB - Cesar Azpilicueta

Often overlooked, Azpilicueta may well be Chelsea's Player of the Season so far. The Spaniard has adapted to his role at centre-back with consummate ease, performing with no fuss week in, week out in one of the best rearguards in the country. He will take some dislodging, even with Kurt Zouma returning to full fitness.

RWB - Victor Moses

Chelsea's five at the back system under Antonio Conte has been an absolute revelation and has been a major contributor to their renewed success this season.

Their wing-back pairing of Victor Moses out right and Marcos Alonso on the left has been much talked about, as it gives the Blues both defensive solidity, yet allows both players to show their attacking prowess also - especially Moses who has been nothing short of exceptional this season after breaking his way back into the side.

CM - N'Golo Kante

N'Golo Kante has been the heartbeat of Chelsea's midfield so far this season, much like he was for Leicester last season as he helped the Foxes win the Premier League.

The little Frenchman simply just does not lose the ball, and is quick to both break down opposition attacks and start counters with his quick feet and smart passing.

CM - Cesc Fabregas

Alongside him must be Cesc Fabregas. It is no coincidence that after only two minutes of being on the field against West Brom, Chelsea took the lead. The Spaniard's pass for Diego Costa's goal against Manchester City the previous weekend was also right out of the top drawer. Fabregas adds creativity that the Nemanja Matic simply can't provide.

As the graphic above shows, he was excellent vs. Sunderland, too.

LWB - Marcos Alonso

As previously mentioned, Alonso and Moses have perhaps been the biggest contributors to the Blues' success this season.

Alonso, formerly of Bolton and Fiorentina, has settled into his new club brilliantly and provides the Blues with a touch of class out on the left.

RW - Willian

While Pedro has been very impressive this season, Chelsea's player of last season Willian is starting to break his way back into the side and has put in excellent appearances of late, including a fine goalscoring display when he came on as a substitute in the 3-1 victory over title rivals Manchester City.

LW - Eden Hazard

Is there any need to even question this? Of course, Eden Hazard will play assuming he can shake off the injury that kept him out vs. Sunderland.

The Belgian has taken the league by storm once again and has put the nightmare of last season behind him, proving to the Chelsea fans and neutrals alike why he is one of the best in the world. eight goals already this season is a fine return considering it is not even Christmas.

ST - Diego Costa

There is a reason Chelsea and Antonio Conte have only made nine changes to their starting XI... there is no need to fix it!

Michy Batshuayi - who had a good start to the season - can count himself unfortunate at his lack of playing time, but dropping Diego Costa is simply not an option. The Spaniard has been phenomenal so far this season as he appears to have given up his silly antics and is solely focusing on his football - a move that is clearly paying off.