Chelsea need to bring back the 4-3-3 formation

Despite our success in the Europa League last season, there was one thing apparent back then and it has continued into this season – Chelsea are weak in wide areas without the ball and we suffer defensively.

Eden Hazard of Chelsea is marshalled by Marcelo Diaz of FC Basel during the UEFA Champions League Group E Match between Chelsea and FC Basel at Stamford Bridge on September 18, 2013 in London, England. (Photo by Ian Walton/Getty Images)

Much is made of Chelsea’s attacking three players in behind the striker. At the weekend against Everton we saw the combination of Schurrle, Mata and Hazard and tonight against Basel, we have seen Willian, Oscar and Hazard.

If we can move the ball quickly to those players and spread our play, then we have the ability to create and craft openings and chances to produce scoring opportunities. When we do not play with a high tempo, we allow the opposition to get numbers back into position to defend against us and our attacking three virtually become non-existent as we sit and watch the ball moved from side to side and backwards more often than forwards.

How many times, for example, have we seen any of the attacking three knock the ball past someone and get to the byline in the last two, three or four games?

However, it’s the wide areas that time and time again, we are being punished. We concede possession in those areas and more often than not, one of our two holding midfielders are sucked out wide to close the ball down and we are left wide open for the opposition to hurt us.

I would like to propose a drastic move by Mourinho to calm things down, build a strong core and base to build from and most importantly of all, have cover in wide areas. The tried and trusted 4-3-3 formation!

Now I understand that it may mean that some players will not get a look in and will find themselves on the bench or not even selected, but in going forwards from now on, we need to take a step backwards.

Here is what I propose for the Fulham game on Saturday and I will explain in detail why I am pushing for a change to be made:

The reasons for my selections in this 4-3-3 formation are as follows:

1. Azpilicueta and Cole to support when needed down right and left flank.
2. Cahill and Terry are already a solid partnership. We need JT’s organisation there.
3. Mikel to sit and play the holding role. This is a purely defensive position.
4. Forget the pivots, Lampard and Oscar both given licence to get forward.
5. Without the ball, Lampard and Oscar to cover wider areas and help fullbacks.
6. Torres in up top to link with with midfield and wide men.
7. Hazard and Mata in and pushed right up forward to alongside Torres. Focus on attack.
8. Although still asked to work hard with the ball, Mata and Hazard would have protection.
9. The 4-2-3-1 formation is fragmented and focus on two separate areas – Defence / Attack.
10. The 4-3-3 formation is more fluid and framework is better suited to team play.
11. With strength in numbers from defence, through midfield and into attack, a better balance.

This is just my opinion based on the players we have in our squad. Look around, it’s not a bad squad at all and we are lucky enough to have players who can easily adapt to different systems.

I really believe that we must switch to the 4-3-3 formation sooner rather than later. What you people think?

(By the way, I am also asking Chelsea fans what they believe is wrong with us right now here too so have a read and post your views!)

What do you think? Should we make that switch to 4-3-3? Is it a better option right now?

Post your comments below, I would love to hear from you!

Carefree & KTBFFH!