Antonio Conte knows that a fit and whole Chelsea squad is vital to the Blues successfully negotiating a tricky and busy schedule.
Chelsea steamrolled West Brom on Saturday to kick off the next stretch of domestic games. With international football now on the backburner until March, the action comes thick and fast for the Blues. Speaking after the game, Antonio Conte acknowledged the fact that a large, healthy squad is key if Chelsea are to do anything.
"Today the starting 11 was the same as against United. We played well in that game and we did again today but don’t forget we have to play a lot of games in a few days, so I need all of my players. – via chelseafc.com"
Chelsea have put in a couple of stunning performances back-to-back. However, they will not be able to field the same eleven in every game. Fatigue and the weight of the schedule will force Conte to mix things up.
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Hence, it is vital that the squad players also step up to the plate. David Luiz, for example, has run into some terrible form while also arguing with the boss. Chelsea will need the Brazilian to start fairly regularly, though. Luiz needs to up his game to match the performances of his teammates such as Andreas Christensen.
Pedro and Willian, meanwhile, have taken a backseat while the 3-5-2 has worked its magic. However, they may well be needed – either as an impact substitute off the bench or as a starter. This may come in a 3-4-3, but they may also be required to take up slightly unfamiliar roles in the 3-5-2.
Simply put, Chelsea two most recent displays have been encouraging, but they have come via the same starting eleven. For the Blues to get through to the New Year in a decent position, Conte needs 15 or 16 different players maintaining high standards.
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As the schedule gets heavier and the games arrive unrelentlessly, do you see Chelsea coming out on top? The Blues can’t afford any slip-ups in their pursuit of both the Champions League and Manchester City. Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!