How will Antonio Conte fit Chelsea’s stars into his favourite 3-5-2 formation?

Add as preferred source on Google

Defence

Thibaut Courtois is sure to be the Italian managers’ number one choice between the sticks and so the defence should be assessed first.

Conte used Giorgio Chiellini (31), Leonardo Bonucci (29) and Andrea Barzagli (35) as his back three for Italy and they were extremely effective.

At Chelsea, the centre-backs at Conte’s disposal are John Terry, Gary Cahill, Kurt Zouma and arguably Branislav Ivanovic, who is usually deployed as a full-back.

Zouma’s strength, pace and youthful exuberance should put him at the front of the queue for a place in the back three and the Frenchman could easily be played either side of the main centre-back.

Conte isn’t afraid to opt for experience and unless a considerable signing is made, John Terry will most probably be the main defender.

Gary Cahill came under some scrutiny last season for his underwhelming form but that said, in the early parts of the season neither Cahill or Terry deserved praise.

The back three looks likely to be set up as Zouma Cahill and Terry, with the once dependable Ivanovic looking less and less capable of competing in the Premier League.