That's a great starting XI, it also gives Cesc protection with Kante and Bakayoko either side of him. 

Pleased to say we have a strong bench as well after all the transfer window shenanigans.

Edited September 9, 20178 yr by Malcolm9

Drinkwater to come on and score a late goal.

Looks like 3 in midfield is something we will see more of this season and to be honest I like it, mind you that could only be temporary until hazard back, I think it plays to our strengths though.

At the very least I'd like to see it in big games, it's a great alternative born out of necessity, of course against smaller teams you would want the extra forward not the extra man in midfield, but for big games it needs to stay.

 Especially if cesc can switch between attacker and playmaker roles as need dicatases through the game, he is a perfect player for the 3rd midfielder.

2 minutes ago, didierforever said:

Did willian play  for Brazil some days ago? 

Anyways, I like the line up. Cesc is most probably playing as a FWD behind morata with our shape being 3-4-3.

He played both games for 90min 

Intriguing XI. Ready for kickoff.

Come on you Chelsea!!

 

 

Not weird at all.

No Willian, no Haz and Rudiger instead of Andreas.

Five in midfeld. Wise decision by Conte with Cesc playing. Hazard wlill I expect come on n second half.

Here's a question......if we are playing a 3-5-2 with Fabregas in the midfield 3........

Does he play in attacking midfield (in the hole behind the strikers) or as a deep lying playmaker (like Pirlo in Conte's Juventus 3-5-2)?

Here's a question......if we are playing a 3-5-2 with Fabregas in the midfield 3........
Does he play in attacking midfield (in the hole behind the strikers) or as a deep lying playmaker (like Pirlo in Conte's Juventus 3-5-2)?

One of my biggest questions for today! I guess we'll see. He might switch

1 minute ago, Qaz said:

Here's a question......if we are playing a 3-5-2 with Fabregas in the midfield 3........

Does he play in attacking midfield (in the hole behind the strikers) or as a deep lying playmaker (like Pirlo in Conte's Juventus 3-5-2)?

I think he's free to roam to impact the game wherever possible

1 minute ago, evissy said:

7 minutes ago, Backbiter said:

Not weird at all.

No Willian, no Haz and Rudiger instead of Andreas.

Willian has been playing in Brazil, so it's only natural that he doesn't start. Hazard isn't 100% fit, playing 1 game for Belgium doesn't change that. Rudiger or Christensen, either one will do really, but Rudiger is more experienced and will likely start more games than Christensen unless his form dips.

Interesting line up,; this sets fabregas free really. will be a great setup i think

7 minutes ago, evissy said:

13 minutes ago, Backbiter said:

Not weird at all.

No Willian, no Haz and Rudiger instead of Andreas.

Willian came back late after playing 2 games for Brazil.

Hazard just came back from injury.

I think it's safe to say that Conte decided Christensen plays at RCB or CB only.

5 minutes ago, Qaz said:

Here's a question......if we are playing a 3-5-2 with Fabregas in the midfield 3........

Does he play in attacking midfield (in the hole behind the strikers) or as a deep lying playmaker (like Pirlo in Conte's Juventus 3-5-2)?

We will have to wait and see. I'm sure Conte has drilled into the players what he wants.

24 minutes ago, dkw said:

Cesc playing as a 2 behind morata maybe?

Will change shape I suspect 3-5-2 when defending, might look like a 3-4-2-1 or 3-4-1-2 through the game, the shape won't be strict with cesc being the main player switching roIes, I would guess anyway... 

Cesc has to be responsible for creating our openings today, we have lost a forward to fit him in midfield, so he has to make it count.

I expect to see us go 3-4-3 at some point.

I'm so glad we didn't buy Oxlade Chamberlain, or we might lose 4-0 to Leicester today. 

Just now, TomCFC85 said:

I'm so glad we didn't buy Oxlade Chamberlain, or we might lose 4-0 to Leicester today. 

5-0 my old China 

3-4-3 with Cesc playing as one of the two behind the Morata according to Chelsea TV. So neither of my ideas :P

Anyone have a reliable stream? 

Caballero, Drinkwater, Hazard, Zappacosta, Willian, Batshuayi, Christensen.

 

Now, that's a proper bench.

2 minutes ago, TheChelsRVA said:

Anyone have a reliable stream? 

http://videostream.dn.ua/videopage/videoPage.php?g=NDIzODA?f&c=tr&i=eWl0YnZqdWVvaA?f?f

1 minute ago, DonAntonio said:

5-0 my old China 

Absolutely tragic haha