Chelsea predicted XI for Bayern: 3-4-3 to stick around longer

Reece James, 24, Right wing back, England

At times, James is rocky full back. But he already has wing back down as if he was built custom made for it. It also helped to have a legitimate target man in the center to aim for or an open player after an overload in Marcos Alonso. Lampard’s back three, not unlike Conte’s, requires the wing backs to do most of the midfield moving and James rocked it against Tottenham. Bayern Munich will be a big test but he is ready for it.

Jorginho, 5, Midfield, Italy

Just as it seemed Jorginho had fully faded into the oblivion of merely being present, he climbed back out to put in one of his performances of the season. Really, any time Jorginho is actually making accurate through balls is a good day. He broke line after line against Tottenham and he will need to do the same against a Bayern side that has one of the most appealing midfields in the world.

Mateo Kovacic, 17, Midfield, Croatia

If there could be any negative about the Lampard 3-4-3, it would be how it restrains Kovacic into a much more static position. Sure, he can still pass his way out of trouble or roam a bit, but he becomes unable to do his mazy dribbles up field before popping off the pass. Essentially, it limits his toolbox. But when the toolbox is as big as Kovacic’s and the team needs him a bit limited, so be it.

Marcos Alonso, 3, Left wing back, Spain

It is almost insane how it is nearly a universally accepted fact that Alonso is an amazing left wing back. Given how Emerson is rarely ideal when he plays anymore and Azpilicueta is a makeshift fill in as a left back, it simply makes more sense to use the 3-4-3 with Alonso bringing the best out of the left side. He simply knows exactly where he has to be. Put Alonso on one flank, James on the other, and a header in the box and things will happen.