Todd Boehly has treated Mauricio Pochettino to a wealth of options at Chelsea as another very successful transfer window comes to a close
While Cole Palmer provides Chelsea with excellent cover for Christopher Nkunku, Mauricio Pochettino must formulate a plan which sees the duo coexist in a starting lineup. The 21-year-old playmaker has been heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge recently as the Blues boss looks to sign an attacking midfielder who can also operate as a right-winger.
Nkunku was dealt a blow to his knee against Borussia Dortmund during Chelsea's final pre-season clash in the United States. He has since undergone an operation and he's expected to be out of action for several months.
The 25-year-old hit the ground running with the Blues in the summer and looked set to play a major role in Pochettino's side, just behind Nicolas Jackson. However, it seems as if Palmer will now be trusted in the No.10 position – until Nkunku returns at least.
So, with that being said, football.london has taken a look at how Chelsea could line up if they manage to sign the City ace.
Formation
Pochettino is well known for his forward-thinking approach. Over the years, he's usually preferred a 4-2-3-1, which looks like a 4-3-3 while attacking and a 4-4-2 when defending.
This season Pochettino has opted for a back-three instead (3-4-3) but, with Palmer in the side, it's likely he'll revert to a back-four.
Goalkeeper
Despite a lapse of judgement against AFC Wimbledon in the Carabao Cup second round, Robert Sanchez is expected to continue between the sticks for Chelsea. But, with Djordje Petrovic at Pochettino's disposal now, the Spaniard's place in the starting lineup is under threat.
Defence
Ben Chilwell is expected to continue at left-back this season, with Malo Gusto mirroring him on the right in Reece James' absence. At centre-half, Pochettino has a wealth of options at his disposal, with either Benoit Badiashile or Wesley Fofana expected to join Levi Colwill in the back-four once they return from injury.
If the Chelsea boss was to utilise a back-four now, Colwill would likely be joined by Thiago Silva – just like in pre-season.
Midfield
However, once Nkunku returns in a few months time, Palmer may often find himself on the bench. Alternatively, the Englishman could be moulded into an advanced eight in the future, similarly to Fernandez.
Attack
Chelsea have been in desperate need of a dynamic striker for a few years now – and Pochettino seems to have struck gold with Nicolas Jackson. The 22-year-old talisman has enjoyed a fantastic start to life at Stamford Bridge and he looks set to play a crucial role for the Blues this term.
On the left is Mykhailo Mudryk and on the right in Raheem Sterling. Once Nkunku returns, Palmer may feature on the right although he also faces tough competition from Noni Madueke in that department.
Potential starting lineup if Cole Palmer signs for Chelsea: Robert Sanchez; Ben Chilwell (c), Levi Colwill, Thiago Silva, Malo Gusto; Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez; Cole Palmer; Mykhailo Mudryk, Nicolas Jackson, Raheem Sterling.