The lineup that Chelsea have used no less than 13 times in the Premier League (so over a third of the 38 matches total) and it’s the lineup that, with everyone once again healthy as has been the case for much of the season, Conte is once again likely to turn to on Saturday as we attempt to turn our season from great to fantastic by completing the Double.
One final set of Premier League graphics for now: a detailed look at how each club deployed their squad this season https://t.co/hbIFz78ZTU pic.twitter.com/hdZu2GRxhx
— Ben Mayhew (@experimental361) May 22, 2017
3-4-3:
Courtois | Cahill, David Luiz, Azpilicueta | Alonso, Matić, Kanté, Moses | Hazard, Costa, Pedro
Even when Chelsea did not use that exact lineup, the changes were minor. Cesc Fàbregas, the best 12th man in football sometimes rotated in for Matić or even Pedro. Willian, the best 13th man in football also got a few turns up top. They are both likely to be first options off the bench again, with John Terry perhaps coming on late for a final-final-final appearance (depending on the game state obviously).
The community’s preference is along the same lines, but with Matić and Fàbregas splitting the vote almost 50-50. The way the percentages play out for this (8* starters at over 90%; Pedro and Willian in a 70-30 split; Cesc and Matić in a 50-50), is a fairly accurate representation of Conte’s lineup choices this season. Some personnel will change this summer, so this may be the last ride for this A-team.
3-4-3 (93%):
Courtois (98%) | Cahill (93%), David Luiz (99%), Azpilicueta (99%) | Alonso (98%), Fàbregas (54%), Kanté (99%), Moses (97%) | Hazard (99%), Costa (86%), Pedro (72%)
* This would normally be 9, but Batshuayi’s goal-fest has taken away a few votes from Costa.