Yesterday's action, or lack of in terms of incomings, does little to change Frank Lampard's core squad but settling on a best XI still seems a challenge.
The idea of a strongest team in such a congested season is a rather odd concept with rotation set to play such a significant role for all Premier League teams.
But in a hyptoethical one-off game with no injuries or suspensions who does the head coach go with? There are a couple of definites but those are outweighed by question marks.
Edouard Mendy is obviously the candidate in goal with Ben Chilwell at left back. The rest of the defence is not easy to predict.
Arguments can be made for both Reece James and Cesar Azpilicueta at right back and despite the former's fine start to the season and attacking ability, right now Lampard would likely go for the captain's experience.
At centre back it would be Thiago Silva plus one - more likely Kurt Zouma going off recent evidence but easily subject to change depending on form.
N'Golo Kante is a lock in midfield but who partners him depends on what happens further up the pitch.
That is where things get tricky. Kai Havertz and Timo Werner seem dead certs right now, a fully fit Christian Pulisic on midsummer form is starting on the left wing and then there is a fight for the other remaining spot.
We've not seen Hakim Ziyech in action but he is the most obvious choice on the right - meaning one remaining midfield spot.
Would Lampard use Mason Mount or settle on Jorginho in a holding role? That could depend on how well Mount and Havertz can co-exist in similar roles.
Chelsea's best XI (4-1-2-3): Mendy; Azpilicueta, Zouma, Thiago Silva, Chilwell; Kante; Mount, Havertz; Ziyech, Werner, Pulisic.
