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Chelsea FC’s Predicted Starting Lineup 2016/2017

By Tyler Strauss

(Top L-R) Chelsea's Bosnian goalkeeper Asmir Begovic, Chelsea's French defender Kurt Zouma, Chelsea's Serbian midfielder Nemanja Matic, Chelsea's English defender John Terry and Chelsea's Brazilian-born Spanish striker Diego Costa (bottom L-R) Chelsea's Brazilian midfielder Oscar, Chelsea's Spanish defender Cesar Azpilicueta, Chelsea's Ghanaian defender Baba Rahman, Chelsea's Spanish midfielder Cesc Fabregas, Chelsea's Brazilian midfielder Ramires and Chelsea's Brazilian midfielder Willian pose before a UEFA Chamions league group stage football match between Chelsea and Dynamo Kiev at Stamford Bridge stadium in west London on November 4, 2015. AFP PHOTO / GLYN KIRK (Photo credit should read GLYN KIRK/AFP/Getty Images)
(Top L-R) Chelsea's Bosnian goalkeeper Asmir Begovic, Chelsea's French defender Kurt Zouma, Chelsea's Serbian midfielder Nemanja Matic, Chelsea's English defender John Terry and Chelsea's Brazilian-born Spanish striker Diego Costa (bottom L-R) Chelsea's Brazilian midfielder Oscar, Chelsea's Spanish defender Cesar Azpilicueta, Chelsea's Ghanaian defender Baba Rahman, Chelsea's Spanish midfielder Cesc Fabregas, Chelsea's Brazilian midfielder Ramires and Chelsea's Brazilian midfielder Willian pose before a UEFA Chamions league group stage football match between Chelsea and Dynamo Kiev at Stamford Bridge stadium in west London on November 4, 2015. AFP PHOTO / GLYN KIRK (Photo credit should read GLYN KIRK/AFP/Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 06 : Nathan Ake of Watford and Nacer Chadli of Tottenham Hotspur during the Barclays Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Watford at White Hart Lane on February 6, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 06 : Nathan Ake of Watford and Nacer Chadli of Tottenham Hotspur during the Barclays Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Watford at White Hart Lane on February 6, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images) /

Nathan Ake

This may be another surprise inclusion for some. The Blues usually deploy Cesar Azpilicueta on the left. However, with the Spaniard on the right, Conte will have to look elsewhere. The logical choice would be either Baba Rahman or Kenedy as they have featured this season.

Rahman would be more likely, given he naturally plays left back. Furthermore, at wing back, he would have a better opportunity to attack which his is his strength.

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However, his defensive contribution has been poor thus far. The Ghanian would need to improve vastly this summer to be considered a potential starter under Conte.

Ake however, is absolutely ready to play in this role. He’s been far from a secret during his time at Stamford Bridge, earning a few matches as a youngster the past few seasons. This year, he’s been on loan at Watford and he’s flourished.

A starter under Quique Sanchez Flores, the dutch youngster has been widely successful in getting forward and adding in attack.

Furthermore, he’s shown he can handle the defensive responsibilities. he’ll have the help of Kurt Zouma to cover him while he advances forward in attack.

Ake should be a starter for Chelsea next season. He’s ready and the Blues need him. Perhaps, those in charge at West London have become more wise and are no longer in favor of allowing left-back talent to consistently exit Stamford Bridge each season (Bertrand, Luis, Cole, etc.).

If there’s one defender on loan for Chelsea to incorporate, it’s Nathan Ake.

Next: Centre Defensive Midfield

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