Chelsea beat Crawley Town in a behind-closed-doors friendly on Saturday in Xabi Alonso’s first unofficial game in charge.
Jamie Gittens, Liam Delap and Emmanuel Emegha were all on the scoresheet for the Blues as they went on to win 3-1.
It was only a pre-season match, but it may have indicated what formation Alonso could use at Chelsea next season.
According to Daily Mail journalist Kieran Gill, Chelsea lined up in a 4-2-3-1 shape against Crawley. With that in mind, what could their starting XI look like in that system once everyone else has returned and the club have completed all of their transfer business?
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Defence
Chelsea have been linked with Diogo Costa, but as of now, everything is pointing towards Robert Sanchez starting the season as the team’s No.1. Mike Penders could challenge him as the No.2.
A fit Reece James has to start at right-back, while Jorrel Hato could play on the opposite flank now that Marc Cucurella has left for Real Madrid.
As for central defence, Levi Colwill has fully recovered from his ACL injury so is likely to be Chelsea’s first-choice centre-back. If Chelsea go on to sign Maxence Lacroix, the Crystal Palace and France star could partner him.
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Midfield
Should Chelsea manage to keep hold of Enzo Fernandez, the Argentine and Moises Caicedo could resume their double pivot.
Fernandez played a lot of games as a No.10 last season, but his natural position is central midfielder. Again, though, Alonso is going to have to convince him to stay.
Fernandez wants to leave Chelsea this summer, though not too many clubs are showing interest in the World Cup finalist right now.
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Attack
With Fernandez possibly set to return to midfield if he remains at Chelsea, that will free up Cole Palmer to return to the No.10 position.
Imminent signing Morgan Rogers is expected to start on the left, while Pedro Neto could be deployed on the right.
Estevao Willian is such an exciting young talent, but managers love Neto’s work rate and energy. Finally, Joao Pedro is the undisputed, first-choice No.9 in this team.
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