Chelsea have been crying out for wins with only two in their last fifteen games and are also deprived of goals being the lowest scoring side in the league since the start of November with only six goals to show for.
With the Board continuing to back Graham Potter, its time to look into what he can fix in order to improve the odds of winning the next few games which could prove to be decisive in terms of his stay at the club.
As deliberated by Olaoluwa Nwobodo in his latest piece, the West Londeners have managed to create very few clear cut chances despite having the lion’s share of possession. This itself undeniably indicates that this system is not working in Potter’s favor. And with the owners now getting restless, the Solihull native has to go all out and find something that suits the team before it’s too late.
Which formation can get the best out of this Chelsea side?
There have been complaints that arguably the best players at the club, namely Enzo Fernandez and Reece James have been restricted due to the system. Also with Thiago silva unavailable for selection, the defence too has been incapacitated.
When it comes to our attack, the quality is evident but the system isn’t helping them either. And now with the reinforcements through the January transfer window and the players returning from injuries, the Gaffer can and must think of switching the current formation.
The 3-4-2-1
In his early days, Potter did experiment with the squad and tried establishing something similar to what he used at Brighton. Three at the back did work well and even though the Chelsea chief experienced a few setbacks in the form of injuries, he enjoyed some short term success.
However now he’s blessed with multiple options for most of the roles and this formation might just help him to initiate his comeback and prove that he has got what it takes to manage one of the top clubs.
Although the side will miss the veteran, the young Frenchman – Wesley Fofana has been exceptional since his return from a long term injury and proved that he is more than just a squad player. Having Badiashile, Koulibaly and Fofana together in that backline would be ideal as it not only helps provide enough defensive cover, but also bestow the freedom that our fullbacks and central midfielders have lacked in the recent games.
Back and fit, Reece James and Ben Chilwell can add that extra bit of creativity that the squad desperately needs. This formation helps them to move into much more advanced areas more often. Their ability to feed the frontline perfectly timed and weighed crosses will finally be put to use.
Although the Chels’ faithful await the return of our very own – N’Golo Kante, he might not be fit to start games already. However the Octopus is back and after his cameo against Spurs, he should be fit enough to feature on the weekend. A pivot of Enzo Fernandez and Denis Zakaria would be ideal in terms of their playing styles. The CFC supporters are conscious of Enzo’s ability to contribute to the attack, but he was often forced into deeper roles and was asked to do the dirty work. With Zakaria alongside, Fernandez will not have to stay within bounds all the time and can mass-produce what he’s known for.
Ever since Diego Costa left, the Blues have not enjoyed the presence of a lethal finisher who could score regularly and compete with the top goal scorers in the league. And after Eden Hazard’s departure, the situation only got worse. Our past and present owners have spent millions in the process but have failed to build what we had in the past which has led to Chelsea being one of the lowest scoring sides this season.
Although David Datro Fofana wasn’t signed presuming that he’ll lead the line so soon, the Blues are out of options with Aubameyang the only other striker who has not been up to scratch. Fofana has the physical attributes required to hold off and beat opponents with his pace and strength. His imposing aerial presence too could prove to be a huge threat for the opponents with crosses coming in from the likes of James and Chilwell.
Joao Felix and Kai Havertz would be the ideal duo that fit in perfectly behind the explosive Ivorian considering their mastery in the central areas. Felix starting needs to explanation, as he’s been one of our only attackers who have looked to inflict any kind of threat. Havertz on the other hand hand is someone who the CFC fanbase don’t want anywhere around the playing XI.
However, the German thrives in that role. That role behind the striker has always brought the best out of him. In one of the recent matches too, he was pushed into a deeper role in the second half after the substitutes came on, and we got to see glimpses of the Havertz we signed from Bayer Leverkusen.
All in all, we do understand that the current system is not doing Potter’s Chelsea any good. And now is the time for him to switch the formation and make optimal use of this power packed squad.