Chelsea's Antonio Conte must play fringe players against Brentford because stability of side 'cannot last indefinitely' - Pat Nevin

Pat Nevin believes Antonio Conte must use Chelsea's FA Cup tie with Brentford this weekend to play some of the club's fringe players because it could prove crucial should the first team suffer any injuries in the final months of the season.

Conte's side, who currently lead the Premier League standings by eight points following their 2-0 win over Hull, host their west London rivals Brentford in the fourth round of the FA Cup on Saturday.

The Blues beat Peterborough United in the last round of the competition using a starting XI that included academy graduates Nathaniel Chalobah and Ruben Loftus-Cheek and players who have been largely used as substitutes this season such as Michy Batshuayi.

Nevin believes Conte must continue to hand game time to Chelsea's fringe players because they will be needed should any of the club's first team suffer an injury or loss of form in the coming weeks and months.

Writing in his column on Chelsea's site, Nevin said: "So this week coming is Brentford in the FA Cup and then it is the double-header of Liverpool away and Arsenal at the Bridge.

"Those two games are vital but have to go on hold as the FA Cup this year is very important to Chelsea, not just because we want to win it.

"This is the perfect opportunity, as we all know, to give fringe players competitive game time. The more games in this cup run the better for them, because those players will be needed.

"The stability of the side has been almost as incredible as this fine run of form the team has been on, but it cannot last indefinitely; injuries, suspensions and maybe even the odd form dip may occur."