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Antonio Conte goes with Premier League stars against Wolves

By George Perry

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 04: Cesc Fabregas of Chelsea celebrates after scoring a goal to make it 3-0 during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Arsenal at Stamford Bridge on February 4, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 04: Cesc Fabregas of Chelsea celebrates after scoring a goal to make it 3-0 during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Arsenal at Stamford Bridge on February 4, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images) /
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Antonio Conte defied all expectations by naming six Premier League starters – including his front three – to Chelsea’s FA Cup tie with Wolves.

So much for the FA Cup being the youth’s chance to shine. Double apologies to Michy Batshuayi. Chelsea will send Diego Costa, Eden Hazard and Willian out to lead the attack against Wolves. Pedro will shift into left-wing back, while Victor Moses retains his spot on the right.

The defence is more line with expectations for a cup tie. Nathan Ake and Kurt Zouma will flank John Terry, who will once again wear the captain’s armband for the Blues. Kenedy, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Michy Batshuayi – all presumed starters – will take the bench.

Antonio Conte may be particularly worried about being the next Premier League side to suffer an FA Cup upset. Liverpool exited in the previous round, and this morning Burnley were eliminated by non-League Lincoln City. At the time of this writing, Manchester City and Leicester City are both in goalless draws late on against lower-tier opposition.

Conte may also believe that the lighter opposition will help some of his stars regain their footing and confidence. Wolves offer a chance for Diego Costa to pot some easy goals to end his drought. However, Chelsea’s next Premier League opponent is Swansea City, as prime a target for Costa as any Premier League club.

Aside from denying his youngsters valuable playing time, Conte is denying his starters valuable rest time. Conte may be regretting the extra time he off he awarded his players earlier in the month, and is (over) compensating for that now.

Cesar Azpilicueta and N’Golo Kante deserve a day-off more than anybody. Both are on the bench, and hopefully will stay there for the full 90 minutes. Victor Moses, Diego Costa and Eden Hazard could all use time away to recover their bodies and minds.

The biggest loser is Michy Batshuayi. He has made the most of his few opportunities in the cups, and has managed to keep up his cheerful ways despite so little Premier League playing time. The line-up today implies that no matter what Batshuayi does, Conte’s mind is set. It will be hard to begrudge him a transfer or loan request during the summer.

Are you as shocked as we are? Do you think this unfairly sidelines Michy Batshuayi? Hit us up on Twitter with your thoughts!

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