Three changes Chelsea should make after the international break

By Jake Jackman

Chelsea have started the season brightly and have managed to take maximum points from their opening three matches. After a disappointing 2015/16 campaign, it was important to have a good start under Antonio Conte and they are now title contenders once more. Since their last match, they have brought in two new players, providing the squad with tactical flexibility, which gives Conte plenty of options. Here are three changes we think they should make this weekend:

Drop Branislav Ivanovic

The Russian hasn’t been at the top of his game for over a year now, with his age catching up with him. He wasn’t a right back when he arrived at Stamford Bridge, but he has adapted well to the role. Although he isn’t blessed with pace, his work rate and power allowed him to thrive in his new position. Over the past 12 months, he has lost his mobility and opposition teams have targeted him. Conte decided to give him a chance at the start of the new season, but he hasn’t improved and Chelsea need to replace him in the first team.

On deadline day, Chelsea signed Marcos Alonso from Fiorentina and he should be ready to come into the team immediately. He has experience in the Premier League, which will help him settle at Chelsea. The Spaniard is a left back, which will allow Cesar Azpilicueta to move across to the right. This will provide balance to the back four, as Chelsea will have both full backs on their favoured side, which hasn’t been the case for a long time. Ivanovic has been a great player for Chelsea, but it is the correct time for him to be moved out of the first team.