Chelsea boss Antonio Conte is looking for his fringe players to give him a 'different solution' by impressing in his side's upcoming EFL Cup fixture against West Ham.
The Blues travel to the London Stadium in the round of 16 of the competition, and Conte has urged those players who get a start to perform well andgive him something to think about selection-wise.
Chelsea go into the Hammers clash having won their last three games, keeping three clean sheets in the process.After their recent demolition of Manchester United at Stamford Bridge, Conte is expected to make a number of changes.
And the Italian is looking for certain fringe players to step up and show that he can rely on them to provide 'a good solution' in case of a future injury or suspension.
"In these last three games we played very well, and it's important when you play with the same players, they take confidence in the role to play together," Conte said when speaking toESPN.
"But it's important also in this game to find a solution, because if you get an injury it's important to have a good solution ready.
"Tomorrow we can find a different solution, but I want the players to give me a good answer."
John Terry isexpectedto make the starting XI, withBranislav Ivanovic also available after recovering from an injury picked up on international duty with Serbia. Willian comes back into contention as well after returning fromcompassionate leave.
Conte added:"The player that plays in the middle of the three defenders must be more tactical, to find the right position to call the line up or down."
Asked whether Terry could fit into his three at the backstructure, Contesaid: "John is a fantastic player because every day he shows me and his teammates a great attitude, great behaviour, great commitment, and he works very hard.
"If John has this will he can continue. I don't see a problem."