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

By Tom Bogert

LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 15: Eden Hazard of Chelsea is closed down by N'Golo Kante of Leicester City during the Barclays Premier League match between Chelsea and Leicester City at Stamford Bridge on May 15, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 15: Eden Hazard of Chelsea is closed down by N'Golo Kante of Leicester City during the Barclays Premier League match between Chelsea and Leicester City at Stamford Bridge on May 15, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) /
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Option four: 4-2-3-1

We have an Oscar sighting! Remember him?

Since having what was perceived as his breakout campaign at Chelsea in 2013/14, rendering Juan Mata surplus to requirements, he hasn’t built on that year. Actually, quite the contrary. His numbers have taken a step back the two seasons since then.

Oscar scored 8 goals in 2013/14 in 33 appearances in the league. The next season he scored 6 in 28 games followed by just 3 goals in 27 matches last season.

Looking forward to this upcoming season, where does he fit in? If Conte plays 3-5-2, he’s not going to displace Hazard or Fabregas through the center. Playing with Hazard, Oscar and Willian across the midfield with Fabregas in a more defensive role is reckless.

When Azpilicueta first broke into the Chelsea first team, he was at right back. Of course with Ivanovic’s existence, Azpilicueta played on the other side. But if Ivanovic can’t still keep up with wingers, then Azpilicueta returns to the right to allow Baba to play in his natural left-sided fullback role.

As for the central defenders, you may have noticed a lack of John Terry. Simply put it’s unclear if he’s still Chelsea’s first choice defender. Zouma was fantastic before being injured last season and Cahill is Cahill. It all depends how Conte rates him.

Costa is a more natural choice to operate as a lone striker than Batshuayi. He’s also the more proven striker, especially in the Premier League. Hazard, Willian and Oscar has all played off Costa successfully in the past. Batshuayi could swap in for one of the midfielders and play as a wide striker if not enough goals are emanating from this team.

Next: Verdict

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