The Chelsea formation has been a 3-4-2-1 since the start of the 2026/27 Premier League season. However, their back three has not inspired confidence so far. In fact, their defence has been the worst among the top clubs in England this season.
In seven matches across all competitions this season, Chelsea have conceded 15 goals. That has raised a few doubts over the current Chelsea formation.
Should Chelsea Formation Change From a 3-4-2-1 to a 4-2-3-1?
The question remains whether Xabi Alonso should change the Chelsea formation to a 4-2-3-1 from a 3-4-2-1. Playing with a back-four means getting another defender numerically, but, in reality, it means taking off a centre-back.
The back-three can become a back-five any time, but that luxury is not there with a back-four. Hence, switching to a back-four does not automatically ensure defensive solidity.
Moreover, Chelsea have signed two young Italian wing-backs in the summer, both of whom are more comfortable playing in a back-five than a back-four. Marco Palestra has not been able to play because of an injury, but if he is fit, he should be an automatic choice to start as the right wing-back.
Reece James cannot play as the right-back either, as he will probably have to partner Moises Caicedo, who is out injured at the moment, but should return to action by the time club football resumes after the international break, in the double pivot.
Therefore, Marco Palestra and Pep Chavaria will have to play as regular full-backs if the Chelsea formation changes to a 4-2-3-1. They might not be very comfortable doing so as it would curb their attacking freedom.
James and Jorrel Hato would have been better fits as full-backs, as they are more adept defensively than the Italian duo. However, the Italian pair was brought to the club to add width to the attack.
In the case of Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers playing as central playmakers behind Joao Pedro, the Royal Blues would naturally depend on their wing-backs to provide width to their attack.
However, if Alonso decides to change the Chelsea formation to a 4-2-3-1, it will not only affect their defensive set-up, it will also likely push Morgan Rogers to the left flank. In that case, Palmer will then play as the No.10, and maybe Estevao will start on the right flank.
It will enable the West Londoners to have that extra man in their attack and will then get their width from the wingers primarily instead of the wing-backs. However, the changed Chelsea formation would no longer be the one Alonso had envisaged when he took charge at the club.
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Extra Time Notes
Alonso had a tough time dealing with the superstars at Real Madrid not so long ago. He is already finding the going to be really tough at Chelsea, because the defence seems to be crumbling already a few matches into the season.
The decision to buy Maxence Lacroix has not proved to be very effective so far. Changing the Chelsea formation might change things for the better, but it is by no means a guarantee. Probably Alonso will wait for a few more matches before implementing any change in the Chelsea formation.
As of now, he is likely to stick to a back three and will hope that Palestra returns to action soon.
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