Conte rules out Chelsea tactical change

Chelsea boss Antonio Conte says he has no intention of changing his tried and trusted 3-4-3 formation.

Conte switched to play his preferred system following the demoralising 3-0 defeat against Arsenal in September last season – their second league defeat in a row.

The Blues beat Hull City 2-0 in their next fixture, the start of an incredible run which saw them win 27 of their remaining 32 Premier League league on their way to lifting the title.

Conte currently has injury problems, with midfield duo N’Golo Kante and Danny Drinkwater, and striker Alvaro Morata all missing for Saturday’s game away against Crystal Palace.

But he said: “For these players the right suit is this. I am not considering this [a change in tactics,] but you never know.”

Tiemoue Bakayoko and Cesc Fabregas are the only fit central midfielders, but Conte is reluctant to push David Luiz further forward, as he did when Chelsea beat Tottenham at Wembley earlier in he season.

“We are talking also to adapt a player who is important as a central defender. He is one of the best central defenders,” the Italian explained.

“If you find one solution you lose something with the defence. When I decided to utilise him in midfield against Tottenham I played with three central midfielders. It could be an option.

“I don’t want to change a lot, but if there is the necessity I am ready to do this but also to give an opportunity to young players like [Ethan] Amapadu or [Kyle] Scott.”