da 888casino： The Blues spent big in the summer, but so far head coach Mauricio Pochettino hasn't found the right formula for success
da cassino： Despite the unfathomable amount Chelsea spent during the summer transfer window, the Mauricio Pochettino-era is yet to catch fire at Stamford Bridge. Two defeats in just four Premier League games and a number of injuries to key players have dampened the positive mood that followed the Argentine tactician's appointment, and there are already alarming echoes of last season's nightmare.
After that false start, the international break probably came at a good time – allowing the head coach to take stock, scrutinise exactly what has gone wrong and prepare to go again afresh. However, one burning question Pochettino needs to find the answer to quickly after having limited success with a back-three system so far, is: what exactly is his best team?!
GOAL gives its take on how the Blues should line up when domestic action resumes against Bournemouth on Sunday…
GettyThe ideal formation
Pochettino's first port of call may well be his formation; Chelsea have set up in a defensive-looking 3-4-2-1 shape so far this season, with Conor Gallagher, Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo – none of whom are known for their attacking output – crowding the midfield.
The arrival of Cole Palmer from Manchester City should facilitate a return to tactician's preferred fluid 4-2-3-1 shape, with the 20-year-old potentially slotting into the No.10 role that was surely intended for injured blockbuster arrival, Christopher Nkunku.
Pochettino needs to find a way to get the best out of the forward players, and a more attack-minded set-up should be the first step towards doing just that.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesGK: Robert Sanchez
This is one area of the pitch where Chelsea have little choice; would-be first-choice goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga was strangely allowed to depart the club on loan to join Real Madrid, with Edouard Mendy having been sold to Saudi side Al-Ahli earlier in the summer.
That leaves £25 million summer signing Robert Sanchez as the main man between the sticks, the Spaniard having ranked 19th out of Premier League goalkeepers in shot-stopping last season, with a post-shot xG minus goals allowed (the most reliable metric for measuring shot-stopping ability) of -2.8.
The decision to not go after a new No.1 could backfire horribly.
GettyRB: Reece James
Reece James is close to a return from his latest injury setback. Although he isn't usually best suited to a flat back four, with his extraordinary attacking capabilities diminished somewhat, Pochettino's more fluid system should suit him well.
The Argentine demands that his full-backs bomb forward at every opportunity to provide support to the attack, and James is a player who will need no second invitation to do so.
Indeed, despite being nominally a defender, he is one of Chelsea's most important attacking outlets when fit and in form. He needs to steer clear of further injury, though, with summer arrival Malo Gusto already showing he can be an able deputy with two assists in four games.
GettyCB: Thiago Silva
Thiago Silva's early-season performances have been called into question by some sections of the Blues' support, but he remains the club's most reliable centre-back as he approaches his 39th birthday.
Chelsea have positioned themselves so that they have plenty of options when the Brazilian does move on, with younger defenders Levi Colwill, Wesley Fofana, Benoit Badiashile and Axel Disasi all highly-regarded.
However, for the time being there is no substitute for the veteran's quality and experience, and he can impart his wisdom on whomever his centre-back partner might be. It's a situation his manager will have to monitor, though, and if his powers are on the wane the time may come for him to be gradually phased out of the starting line-up.