Chelsea have been mightily impressive this season and after an initial stutter, they have settled into a perfect system which has propelled them to the top of the table. Already 6 points ahead of the chasing pack before Christmas, things are looking ominous as far as the rest of the league is concerned. Diego Costa, N’Golo Kanté and David Luiz have been pivotal in their respective positions and have been supported admirably by the rest of their teammates.
Eden Hazard seems to be back to his best and is looking sprightlier and the intent is clear from the other players as well. Conte has instilled passion and the will to fight and win every game and the process is going as smoothly as he could have hoped. His uncomplicated and direct style is suiting the players and on the evidence of what we have seen till now, their 5th English Premier league win is certainly on the cards.
While there isn’t supposed to be any major change to the team with the group performing so well, an addition or two cannot be ruled out. The Blues might need an extra spark in the latter stages and with the Champions League looking extremely likely next season, they need depth in quality. Adding fuel to these theories has been the reports of James Rodriguez joining Chelsea. This has been accentuated with the player himself going on record and saying that his future is uncertain at the club and a January exit is also on the cards.
Let us take a look at the likeliest formation which Conte can employ if the player comes on board.
FORMATION- 4-1-4-1
DEFENCE
Thibaut Courtois has been reliable between the sticks and has seldom being called upon. The back four will consist of Cesar Azpilicueta, David Luiz, Gary Cahill and Marcos Alonso. All four of them have been brilliant and have stepped up this season.
MIDFIELD
The holding midfield role will be taken up by N’Golo Kanté who has been phenomenal this season. He has been the backbone of the team and might well go on to become a pivotal Chelsea player in the future. The advanced midfield positions will most likely be taken up by Nemanja Matic and we can envisage the new signing lining alongside him. James Rodriguez prefers a central role and with Matic and Kanté in midfield will be able to express himself.
ATTACK
Eden Hazard will be on the left-wing while Diego Costa will be leading the line. But the right-wing is where the options increase for Chelsea and decisions will need to be taken then. Going by current form and ability we could not keep Victor Moses out of the team and he edges ahead of Pedro and Willian in the pecking order.
