Chelsea's predicted starting XI for the 2018-2019 season 

Fullbacks

Right Back (RB): César Azpilicueta

Chelsea v Manchester United - The Emirates FA Cup Final

The Spaniard is always one of the first names on the teamsheet. He is a versatile defender and has played virtually across the entire backline and delivered consistently. Maurizio Sarri employed Elseid Hysaj as right back at Napoli who is a very similar player to Azpilicueta.

There should be little doubt on his ability to transition from a centre-back in a three-man backline under Conte to a traditional fullback since that has always been his natural position. He is also a commanding presence in the dressing room, is dependable and a great model for the younger players due to his intense work ethic as lauded by many fellow Chelsea players.

Jose Mourinho perhaps gave him the most fitting tribute- "A team with 11 Azpilicuetas could win the Champions League".

Left back (LB): Emerson Palmieri

Chelsea v Tottenham Hotspur - Premier League

While Marcos Alonso has been a good servant and a constant presence down the left flank for Chelsea in the past two seasons, his place could be in jeopardy. It is not a slight on the Spaniard but the transition could more be due to tactical needs which favour his counterpart. Signed from AS Roma in the winter transfer window in the 2017-18 season, the Brazilian turned Italian full-back Emerson could very well displace Alonso from the starting eleven.

Defensively sound, quick and good ball retention as well as close control could suit him very well in the Sarri system similar to Faouzi Ghoulam at Napoli under Sarri. Along with Eden hazard, Emerson could very well cause some serious damage down the left-hand side to the opponents in England.