Palmer and Caicedo start: Chelsea can unleash venomous new tactic vs Inter Milan this weekend
After 82 days, Chelsea are back in action at Stamford Bridge, and the team will look very different from the one that ended last season.
The Enzo Maresca era will truly be underway this weekend when Chelsea takes on Inter Milan—a brilliant test of readiness before facing Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City. Beyond the result, the eager fans at Stamford Bridge will get the chance to see their team in action on home soil for the first time under new boss Maresca, who has been bold, brave, and clear in his formation.
In an era where full-backs have become vital for many teams, Enzo Maresca doesn't play with any. He’s deployed Reece James, who is now injured and will miss this game, as part of a back three. Malo Gusto, another full-back, plays mostly in midfield, only shifting to left-back when Chelsea doesn't have the ball. This approach could either be revolutionary or disastrous, but only time will tell if it will work in the Premier League.
At Leicester, it worked wonders, but some Leicester fans noted that when teams figured it out, they became quite predictable towards the end of the campaign. However, having a clear system can be a strength, as evidenced by Antonio Conte’s three-at-the-back formation that defied the odds and won the Premier League.
Two holding midfielders, including the inverting full-backs and Romeo Lavia, will provide extra protection to the backline, but will it lead to sufficient chance creation? Only time will tell.
There are also likely to be two midfielders in front of them—most likely Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo, who played in a similar system under Graham Potter.
This leaves the manager with a front three that could feature Cole Palmer on the right, Noni Madueke on the left after his impressive pre-season showing, and Marc Guiu as the striker—or even Raheem Sterling if he chooses to play him as a false nine.
Many tweaks and adjustments are needed, but this is the predicted lineup Maresca is likely to field against Inter Milan:
Jorgensen, Tosin, Badiashile, Gusto, Fofana (in for the injured James), Lavia, Enzo, Caicedo, Madueke, Palmer, Guiu.