Eden Hazard has been very slowly eased back into the Chelsea team, with his first start coming only this week, and the Belgian returning to the bench again from the start today in preparation for the Champions League on Thursday.
Both Pedro and Willian have taken advantage of his absence with more game time, but the time has come to decide which of them will get the nod opposite the Belgian in the proper first XI that Conte can now establish with all of his senior starters available.
The game today has probably made the coach’s mind up – Willian was pretty poor overall, and gave his passing was sloppy throughout despite a couple of neat touches.
Pedro on the other hand was quiet, but popped up with a great goal when it counted, and looked in better nick overall. The Spaniard certainly looks current favourite to start in Madrid in midweek.
