Chelsea: Middlesbrough set to test Antonio Conte’s rejuvenated lineup
Chelsea are the hottest Premier League team going right now. However, a trip to play Middlesbrough this weekend will test just how hot the Blues are at present.
Chelsea have been on fire recently after a recent formation change by Italian manager Antonio Conte. Next up in the Premier League, the Blues travel to the Riverside Stadium on Sunday to play Middlesbrough.
Comparatively, the two teams or on different levels. Both right now, and just in general. But that doesn’t mean Middlesbrough are not about to put Chelsea to the test. Despite the Chelsea’s hot form, there are still questions outstanding about their new setup and formation.
Are they better with the ball or without it? Can they break down a stubborn defense that parks the bus? How will the three-man defense handle two speedy wingers in a team that targets the wide areas specifically? And what happens when it’s just not going right today? Is there a Plan B?
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Middlesbrough might just be able to find some answers to a few of these questions. Boro are in decent form themselves right now and managed to snatch a 1-1 draw against Manchester City in their last game.
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In that match, Aitor Karanka’s team were rigid defensively for the most part. But also provided a real threat with the likes of Adama Traore on the counter attack. Traore is a bit of a rogue talent that still needs harnessing, but the winger is nonetheless a dangerous attacking threat already.
If Middlesbrough can keep Chelsea out at one end, then Traore should test the Blues on the counter attack. The weakness in the Chelsea team may be the wide defensive positions, where wingers should be able to get at both Gary Cahill and Cesar Azpilicueta.
Azpilicueta, usually a full back, should be okay. But Cahill must be a concern on the other side. If Traore, or any other winger, can consistently find himself in one-on-one positions with the center-back, then they’re going to get joy. Can Boro counter attack enough to get into those positions?
Karanka’s team are very solid defensively. Just 12 goals conceded is excellent and ranks among the better defenses in the division. As, too, did Everton when Chelsea played the Toffees last time out, and look how that game finished: 5-0 to Chelsea.
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Ronald Koeman made the mistake of matching up his formation with Chelsea’s in that game, though. Karanka just needs stick to his usual game plan. You can argue Middlesbrough are too defensive in some games, but not this one.
Just like the draws with City and Arsenal, this is how Boro have to play in these games. This is how they can test the big teams. This is how they can present problems of their own when they meet Chelsea at the Riverside Stadium on Sunday.