Chelsea are bleeding right now, so how exactly does Mauricio Pochettino go about stopping that?
Well, following Chelsea‘s 4-2 defeat against Wolverhampton Wanderers yesterday, a report from the Evening Standard has claimed that Mauricio Pochettino could be about to switch the Blues to a back three.
If he does that, there could be one or two casualties, with Raheem Sterling one man who is possibly in danger if the above happens.
Raheem Sterling to be dropped if Chelsea go three at the back
Sterling’s league form has not been great recently to begin with. The £50m winger (BBC Sport) has actually not scored in the Premier League since November.
Considering that and the return of Christopher Nkunku, the 29-year-old may have to make way if Pochettino goes with a 3-4-3 formation, for example.
In that shape, Nkunku could take up Sterling’s position on the left with Cole Palmer on the opposite flank and Nicolas Jackson up front.
It is just one possibility if that is the way Pochettino wants to line up for the rest of the season.
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Who could benefit from Mauricio Pochettino changing formation
With these things there are always winners and losers. While Sterling could be one loser, Benoit Badiashile may end up becoming a winner.
The Frenchman has not cemented a place in the team since returning from injury and has had to play at left-back at times. But with an extra centre-back spot in defence, it could mean more opportunities for him and in his natural position.
A lot could depend on what Pochettino wants to do with Levi Colwill, though, with the England international also a logical candidate for the left centre-back spot.
He has spent the majority of the season at left-back and it would be interesting to see if Pochettino also fancies him as a left wing-back — Chelsea fans will be hoping not.
