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Chelsea predicted XI at Anfield: 3-4-3 makes a return

By Olaoluwa Nwobodo

LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 19: Antonio Rudiger of Chelsea celebrates with his team after Harry Maguire of Manchester United scores an own goal to lead to Chelsea third goal during the FA Cup Semi Final match between Manchester United and Chelsea at Wembley Stadium on July 19, 2020 in London, England. Football Stadiums around Europe remain empty due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in all fixtures being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Andy Rain/Pool via Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 19: Antonio Rudiger of Chelsea celebrates with his team after Harry Maguire of Manchester United scores an own goal to lead to Chelsea third goal during the FA Cup Semi Final match between Manchester United and Chelsea at Wembley Stadium on July 19, 2020 in London, England. Football Stadiums around Europe remain empty due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in all fixtures being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Andy Rain/Pool via Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND – JULY 19: Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United battles for possession with Reece James of Chelsea during the FA Cup Semi Final match between Manchester United and Chelsea at Wembley Stadium on July 19, 2020 in London, England. Football Stadiums around Europe remain empty due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in all fixtures being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Alastair Grant/Pool via Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – JULY 19: Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United battles for possession with Reece James of Chelsea during the FA Cup Semi Final match between Manchester United and Chelsea at Wembley Stadium on July 19, 2020 in London, England. Football Stadiums around Europe remain empty due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in all fixtures being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Alastair Grant/Pool via Getty Images) /

Reece James (No. 24) Right wing-back, England

Reece James played well against Manchester United. He too, like Alonso, looks way more comfortable with three central defenders behind him. The fans feel more comfortable with that arrangement too. This set-up allows James to focus on receiving the ball higher up the pitch and emphasize his deliveries into the box. Maybe a wing-back role is best for the youngster while he continues to develop.

Mateo Kovacic (No. 17) Central midfielder, Croatia

Kovacic is superb at dribbling his way out of tight spaces and creating space for his team mates. He often pulled more than one player out of position and dragged them with him against United. He links the defense and the attack perfectly and for all of these reasons, he’s Chelsea’s player of the season. Kovacic continues to play a big part in the midfield’s success while N’Golo Kante is out.

Jorginho (No. 5) Central midfielder, Italy

Lampard doesn’t have a long list of available defensive midfielders now, does he? That said, Jorginho played well against Manchester United and reasonably decent versus Norwich City. His constant cross-field passes to the flanks against Norwich and his work rate against Man United were impressive. For that, he does deserve another start.

Marcos Alonso (No. 3) Left wing-back, Spain

Alonso has been crucial to Chelsea’s attack this season. He was especially big against Man United in the FA Cup semifinal. With Alonso on the pitch, Chelsea can be an even bigger threat on the wings. He hugs the line and forces his opposite number to stay put, pinning the opposition back and helping isolate them 2v1. Azpilicueta doesn’t quite give Chelsea that when he plays on the left.

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