I was thinking about how 424 could work with a set of players we currently have, without potential signings.
GOALKEEPERS: Probably our strongest position. Courtois is one of the best in the world, so he gets the spot. Begovic is a very good backup, he is also home grown. If he leaves we need to bring in another sub keeper.
DEFENDERS: I'd move Azpi to the right as I like him there more than on the left, because he attacks more. We will need this in 424, because those 2 midfielders can't cover all the width and fullbacks need to help with this by moving forward. Ivanovic needs to be moved from the fullback spot because he is too slow to play there. So Azpi's backup would be Aina. On the left, I'd rotate Baba and Kenedy. The one who plays better until the winter stays, the other is loaned out and maybe we get a left back in winter. Right now I don't see it as priority. In the center the only player that is up to the standard is Zouma, but he is injured. We are left with Terry, Cahill and Ivanovic now who all have their faults. We need at least one more proven central back. This should be our priority. But if we don't buy one I'd play with Zouma and Terry, while Cahill and Ivanovic would be their backups.
MIDFIELDERS: In midfield we need hard workers. Those 2 midfielders will have hard job covering all that ground in the middle of the pitch. So we need to find the best partnership ASAP. Kante is of course my first choice. For his partner I'd choose Oscar. Yes, Oscar. I can see him shinning in this new position of CM. He didn't live up to expectations as a CAM, but I always thought he is more suited to play in a deeper role. He has a nice work rate, knows how to tackle, but he is sometimes a bit reckless in his tackles so he needs to work on this aspect. I'd give him his last chance as I'm sure it would work out perfectly. Matic would be Kante's backup and we could play with Matic and Kante against stronger teams. While Cesc would be Oscar's backup. I'd actually prefer Cesc to play in the starting 11 instead of Oscar, but two men midfield just doesn't suit him. He isn't energetic enough and his work rate and defensive ability are poor. He would play against weaker teams that sit deep though and the formation would change to 433.
Read the paragraph above mate
WINGERS: On the right we would have our work horse Willian who is perfect for this role. He would rotate with Pedro. I'd get rid of Cuadrado and keep Moses who would be a backup to Hazard. I think Moses deserves his chance, I hope Conte will give a chance to fringe players who may not be a "big name" but work their ass and Moses definitely does every pre-season. At least give him half a season to prove his worth. I really do think Moses could be Chelsea's Giaccherini. In the start, I thought Hazard may play in SS role. But now I actually think him playing on the left makes even more sense. By having 2 strikers upfront it gives Eden much more space to work with, when cutting inside he will find himself in many more 1v1’s with right backs, which he adores and thrives on, because the centre-backs are having to mark or be wary of the 2 strikers. After having Mourinho who instilled more of a disciplined mentality into Eden, I think he will adjust to dropping back when out of possession, as he did in the 4231 without the ball. Most teams play with 4 at the back, and we have 4 forwards, so each defender has to cover his own player. And you don't want to be in 1v1 situation against Eden. If winger tries to assist the wing back in pressing on Hazard then Baba or whoever will play on the left can overlap and cross in the box where 2 strikers are waiting to head the ball in. If defensive midfielders try to cover Eden then they leave a hole in the middle of the pitch and Oscar can try with late runs in the box. We have infinite options.
STRIKERS: Costa is the first striker. If Conte can tame and calm him down while keeping his assertiveness Costa can again become one of the best in the Europe. Batshuayi to partner him as supportive striker that connects midfield and attack and makes quick runs in the box when there's a chance. Traore as Costa's back up and RLC as Bats' backup. RLC can be the most important part in this team if he develops into SS. He's got the size, technique, nice shot and pass and experience with playing in the midfield. There aren't many players I hope Conte transforms him into SS, because then he will be invaluable as there aren't many players that can play this position properly.
BUY: Koulibaly/Mustafi. This should be our priority. If we can pull of the deal for CM that would be nice too, but it's not as important. Buy replacement if another player leaves.
SELL: Djilobodji, Mikel, Cuadrado, Remy
LOAN: Miazga, Hector
