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Chelsea’s injuries could bring Michy Batshuayi, Alvaro Morata in a 3-5-2

By The Pride of London Staff

LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 28: Michy Batshuayi of Chelsea celebrates after scoring his sides fourth goal during the Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round match between Chelsea and Brentford at Stamford Bridge on January 28, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 28: Michy Batshuayi of Chelsea celebrates after scoring his sides fourth goal during the Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round match between Chelsea and Brentford at Stamford Bridge on January 28, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images) /
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Antonio Conte said Alvaro Morata will play but not start against Bayern Munich today. Hopefully Conte will keep Michy Batshuayi on alongside Morata, giving a glimpse of how the Blues will look in a two-striker formation.

Alvaro Morata will make his Chelsea debut in the Blues’ friendly against Bayern Munich in Singapore. Because he has had only one training session with his new club, Morata will not be in Antonio Conte’s starting XI.

Conte will need to show plenty of creativity and experimentation in his offence. Pedro flew back to London with a concussion and facial fractures since David Ospina does not understand the meaning of the words “friendly,” “pre-season exhibition” or “legal challenge.”

Pedro’s absence opens the door for Jeremie Boga to show that his performance against Arsenal was not a fluke. Boga came on for Pedro and delivered an unexpectedly mature, high-level game. Boga and Willian may share the duties on Chelsea’s right, or they may each take one side of the pitch as Conte tries them as the wingers of a 3-4-3.

The injuries to the wingers and the long-awaited arrival of another striker presents a perfect opportunity for Antonio Conte to experiment with a 3-5-2.

"While Hazard is injured it’s an ideal time to test out Morata and Batshuayi together. Even once Hazard’s back, I still think Batshuayi deserves the time. That would help satisfy him as well, beause the more he proves himself the more pressure it puts on Conte to give him more chances in the bigger games. – Rayna Sidhu, The Blue Lions (iTunes)"

Antonio Conte fully rotated his squad over the course of the Arsenal game. Against Munich he can start Michy Batshuayi in the middle of a 3-4-3.  He can then bring Alvaro Morata on for a winger and shift to a 3-5-2 with Batshuayi staying up front. After Batshuayi’s day is done, either a winger or Loic Remy can replace him. Conte thereby has the option to end the game in a 3-4-3 or a 3-5-2.

Michy Batshuayi opened his preseason with two fantastic finishes against Arsenal. If he scores a few more goals in preseason, Antonio Conte may give him a chance on opening day. He would still be holding the place for Eden Hazard. But it would be an opportunity to show that he can deliver in the real situation.

If he has and takes advantage of such a chance, Chelsea will have two proven strikers who can play individually or as a tandem. Upon Eden Hazard’s return, then, Antonio Conte will have an array of options up front and for his system as a whole.

That flexibility and depth will be almost essential for the coming campaign. Premier League clubs learned to neutralize Chelsea’s tactics towards the end of last season. Antonio Conte must continue to innovate to stay ahead of his domestic rivals, in addition to countering the challenges he will face in the Champions League.

Next: Five things to look for as Chelsea face Bayern Munich in pre-season friendly

For much of last year, Chelsea watchers lamented that only a series of injuries would bring Michy Batshuayi and other fringe players into the squad. Sadly, they now have that opportunity and must make the most of it.

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