Chelsea opposition analysis: Threats Crystal Palace poses

Although Crystal Palace has traditionally been known for its defensive solidarity, Patrick Vieira is flipping the script. The first-year manager’s side has developed a distinct way of tearing apart opponents, one that saw the Eagles win valiantly against both Everton (4-0) and Arsenal (3-0) in recent weeks. Therefore, it’s absolutely imperative that Thomas Tuchel ensures that Vieira and Crystal Palace don’t get the opportunity to expose Chelsea in the same way during Sunday’s FA Cup semifinal clash. How does the German manager make sure that doesn’t happen to the Blues?

Crystal Palace’s attacking strategy

Before answering that larger question, let’s first take a look at Crystal Palace’s attacking strategy in order to get a better understanding of the Eagles’ tactics. When building from the back, Crystal Palace uses a staggered 2-3-3-2 set-up (see Diagram A below). This allows Vieira’s men to create wide overloads, often with versatile forward Wilfried Zaha being their main outlet in attack (Diagram B). Zaha often drops into left midfield positions and plays a vital role in tearing apart defenses, seeing as the Eagles usually play against back-four formations. Zaha’s marker—a right back more often than not—is pulled out of position when this happens.

This stretches opponents’ defenses as a result (Diagram C). At this point, massive gaps appear throughout opposing back lines. This is when Crystal Palace’s four attackers alternate, making runs in behind and often getting on the end of dangerous diagonal balls as a result (Diagram D).

Many times, opponents will realize this threat quickly and close down midfield areas at which crosses originate (Diagram E). This pushes the designated defensive midfield forward, creating massive space between the lines for the Eagles as a result (F). Crystal Palace will then have the option of horizontally playing the ball between the lines once the ball in progressed via the wide overload. The Eagles’ midfielders will be in the aforementioned space ready to create havoc. They have the time to create chances or have a go on goal, as a result, as Conor Gallagher has done many times this season (Diagram G).

How should Chelsea set up defensively?

As per the above threats, I believe Chelsea should start using a back-three, specifically a 3-4-2-1. Here, I would implement a man-marking strategy in which Chelsea would defend using a 4-4-2 diamond. The presence of three centerbacks would allow one of the Blues’ wingbacks to roam forward and close down a Crystal Palace’s winger, while still being able to retain a back four (Diagram H). In turn, the gaps that the Eagles are used to capitalizing on will no longer be present (Diagram I). The diamond-shaped midfield four would allow Chelsea to man-mark Crystal Palace within its 2-3-3-2 attacking set-up. This means the Eagles would have no space or time to send in those diagonal crosses, which have been seen as a massive problem for other teams (Diagram J).

In addition to this midfield four, this shape would also allow the Blues to have a two-man forward press against the opposition’s back line. This would make build-up play difficult for the Eagles as a result (Diagram K). All in all, this pressure in midfield and advanced positions would result in dangerous transitions (Diagram L) that gives Chelsea many opportunities going forward. It’d also stifle Crystal Palace in attack.

For this plan to work, a high off-the-ball intensity would be paramount for the Blues to implement. This would be a huge ask of the team following a grueling 120-minute away tie midweek at Real Madrid though. That being said, it is no doubt that Chelsea will be up for the challenge with a FA Cup final entry up for grabs in the event of a victory.

Do you think the Blues can stump Crystal Palace tactically and advance to a fifth FA Cup final in six years? Let us know your thoughts in the comments or on Twitter!