Hull City away really shouldn't be this important, this anxious, this uncertain of an occasion. But thanks to the three-match winless streak in the league, for Chelsea, it most certainly is. While the comeback win in the League Cup against Leicester City was an occasion to celebrate and rejoice, in the league, it's been rough going for Conte's Blues.
Seven goals conceded, three goals scored, one point, zero wins, too many individual errors to count, not enough intensity, not enough fight, not enough work, not enough everything. We've found out that not even N'Golo Kanté is perfect, but most concerning of all, we've seen far too many reminders of last season, both in defense and in attack.
All that needs to change on Saturday in what will be Chelsea's only match for the next two weeks. Entering the second international break of the season on the back of a victory would sure feel nicer than doing so after yet another loss to ruminate over.
The squad is fully healthy though Kurt Zouma won't be match fit for a short while yet. Whether that means Conte rolling with the 4-1-4-1 one more time or perhaps switching to a different system remains to be seen. For now, it's all about whom you would pick to start.
Choose wisely.