What’s Chelsea’s first choice XI with N’Golo Kante?

Option two: 3-5-2

If Conte is a devout ideologue to his 3-5-2, then this is a less radically attacking form. The lone difference from the first team sheet is that Matic comes out for Baba Rahman. It’s just one swap but changes the identity of the team completely.

Baba gives Conte a legitimate fullback to play on the wing and balances the side more defensively. Fabregas has proved he can kick it in defensive midfield, despite his general apathy towards defending. He’ll be shielded to his left some by Rahman and has Kante to his right, so he should be fine.

Speaking of Kante, the impetus shifts to him in this rendition of the 3-5-2. With Fabregas next to him rather than Matic, he has someone to protect. To his right, Willian has always been a hard worker and a player willing to track back but more often than not he’d have to have his attention on the space behind Willian.

To further protect the Brazilian, a natural fullback in Ivanovic is behind him playing right-sided center back. Between the Serbian and Kante there should be enough cover for the attack minded Willian.

Now that the defensive responsibilities are sorted, and that’s the sequence how Conte will likely see it, the team has more than enough inspiration and goals in them.

Costa is finally able to play with a strike partner, one that accentuates his abilities well as their strengths differ from one another. Batshuayi will stretch defenders and play off Costa’s shoulder. With the space they create, Hazard should have ample space in the no. 10 role.

Next: Option three: 4-3-3