Chelsea predicted XI: Thomas Tuchel’s 3-4-3 in 2031

The year is 2031 and Chelsea Football Club is nearing the end of its second transfer ban—this one a harsher penalty than the first. The Blues were given a 10-year restriction after winning the club’s second Champions League title. Marina Granovskaia’s transfer business was so adept, UEFA had to step in to prevent the only team in London with a European Cup from ruining football once more. While many may believe this tale to be true given Chelsea’s inactivity in the window thus far, this is nothing more than a hypothetical scenario inspired by recent events.

Don’t worry, you weren’t dreaming, the Blues did lift the UCL trophy on May 29. Granovskaia’s undeniable talent and the UCL triumph are the only true aspects of the imaginative account. The inspiration comes from 18-year-old Chelsea centerback Levi Colwill’s contract extension and subsequent loan to the Championship’s Huddersfield Town in recent weeks. The youngster is widely regarded as one of the Blues’ finest prospects. You’d be forgiven for not knowing much about him considering he’s spent his career up to this point in the academy. Nevertheless, it goes without saying his future is bright in blue.

How does an 18-year-old re-signing inspire a fictitious narrative such as the one above though? Upon Colwill’s extension, it got me thinking about what Chelsea’s first team future would look like if the club was unable to acquire new players for the next decade. Let’s fast forward to 2031 again and continue setting the scene.

Thomas Tuchel is entering his 10th year at Stamford Bridge as his brilliance has kept the Blues in England’s top flight throughout this turbulent time. Given the fact Chelsea has a decade-long ban, the German gaffer only has current the first team, loan army and academy at his disposal. The defensively stout formation used by the Blues from January onward is still being used as it is keeping the squad afloat.

Let’s take a look at the starting XI and bench for this made-up scenario.