EPL 2017/18: How Chelsea could line up this season?

Defenders

Rudiger with his former manager, Luciano Spaletti

After the acquisition of Antonio Rudiger from Roma, it seems likely that Cesar Azplicueta will be shifted to the right to take the place that was acquired by Victor Moses last term. The Spaniard has been among the ever-consistent players for Chelsea – regardless of where he played in defence – and will almost certainly continue to be so.

At left-wing-back, Marcos Alonso made a bright start to his career last term. The Spaniard was one of the key players that allowed Conte’s 3-4-3 to work efficiently. However, the Real Madrid academy product has his shortcomings, which could be found out in Europe this season. Hence, if Chelsea manage to bring in Alex Sandro, then he shall be the starting wing-back on the left.

For the three men at the centre of the defence, David Luiz will continue playing in the sweeper role between captain Gary Cahill and new signing, Antonio Rudiger. By the end of the season, there is a good chance that Andreas Christensen would take over from the newly-appointed captain – in an ideal world, he should have already.

However, we live in a world that is far from ideal. Given that Cahill is now Chelsea’s new captain, it is highly unlikely that he won’t be a starter at the beginning of the season.