Chelsea are reportedly close to appointing Frank Lampard as a caretaker manager until the end of the season, and this would only mean tactical tweaks.
In the last few months, the Blues have primarily used a back-three formation under Graham Potter and, more recently, interim head coach Bruno Saltor.
Lampard, however, showed a clear preference for a four-man defence at both Chelsea and Everton.
The former England international would not have the time time to make any significant changes straight away, but there are plenty of players at Chelsea who should be still familiar with his football.
Chelsea have 32 players in their first-team squad, which is problematic but at the same time, gives a manager plenty of tactical options.
This Chelsea team arguably is capable of playing in any shape imaginable and still has plenty of choices in each position.
There are, however, three realistic formations that Lampard could go for.
First, the good ol’ 4-3-3.
This is the formation that Lampard used most often during his previous spell at Chelsea.
The biggest problem with this formation, or any back-four system, is that Chelsea have too many centre-backs that would not be happy with having to compete for just two spots.
Arrizabalaga/Mendy
James – Silva/Fofana – Koulibaly/Badiashile – Chilwell/Cucurella
Kante – Fernandez – Kovacic/Mount
Sterling – Aubameyang/Havertz – Mudryk/Felix
Another back-four formation that would arguably suit this Chelsea team is the 4-2-3-1.
N’Golo Kante thrives in this formation, playing deep while still having the freedom to roam with a partner.
Arrizabalaga/Mendy
James – Silva/Fofana – Koulibaly/Badiashile – Chilwell/Cucurella
Kante – Fernandez/Kovacic
Sterling – Mount/Felix – Mudryk/Pulisic
Aubameyang/Havertz
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