Willian returns to the Chelsea starting line-up and dazzles as the Blues ease to a 3-1 victory at Huddersfield Town.
The Brazilian was given just his second start in nine Gameweeks as part of a fluid Chelsea front three, with Pedro also drafted in to flank Eden Hazard in a central role.
The absence of Alvaro Morata with a back problem proved the catalyst for change from Antonio Conte and now the Chelsea boss, and Fantasy managers alike, will ponder whether the striker slots straight back in for Sunday’s meeting with Southampton.
Willian and Pedro will be difficult to leave out after Tuesday’s display.
The former produced a goal and two assists to amass 16 points in Fantasy Premier League, while Pedro also found the net – his third of the campaign.
Hazard was full of nice touches, but his recent goal threat seemed muted in the new system – he mustered just one shot, though did create three key passes, including a big chance missed by Pedro.
However, the difference in Chelsea’s football from Saturday’s defeat at West Ham – even with the creativity of Cesc Fabregas left on the bench – was there for all to see.
Huddersfield could not live with the movement and interchange of passing between the three front players, ensuring that Conte was glowing post-match.
“We have to continue trying to play this type of football, because tonight I think my players enjoyed playing this type of football, dominating the game, creating many chances with great combination play between our strikers.”
So where does this leave Morata?
He was sold by 663,000+ managers heading into Tuesday’s deadline. The striker has already suffered another 30,000 transfers out – more than any other player – as we career towards Gameweek 18.
Goals and points for the likes of Roberto Firmino or Alexandre Lacazette would surely only accelerate those sales, particularly now that Morata’s start against the Saints will be questioned.
The Spaniard could easily slot into the central role, with Hazard shifting left and Willian and Pedro vying for the spot on the right. However, if Morata is feeling the pace and his back, Conte has no real incentive to re-introduce the striker following Tuesday’s performance.
Christensen makes timely exit
A late goal from the Terriers’ Laurent Depoitre was the only blot on the Chelsea copybook.
The substitute’s header means that Conte’s defence now has just a single clean sheet from their last five Gameweeks, a fact that clearly frustrates the manager…
“We must improve in this aspect, because keeping a clean sheet is always important for our goalkeeper, for our defenders, for the whole team.”
As it was, two of Chelsea’s defensive options still profited from Tuesday’s win.
Marcos Alonso recorded a first assist of the season with his cross for Willian’s opener. That was just his second attacking return from the last 15 Gameweeks.
Elsewhere, Andreas Christensen marked his seventh successive Gameweek start with a fourth clean sheet.
The 21-year-old was hooked on 79 minutes – for the second time in three Gameweeks – which meant he avoided conceding Depoitre’s late strike.
It was a stroke of fortune for his 189,000+ owners, with Conte’s decision to withdraw him also indicating that Christensen is being spared for a continued run in the starting XI.
He is occupying the central role in Conte’s back three and, with David Luiz still nursing a knee problem and also seemingly out of favour, the Dane looks set to keep his starting berth.
Around him, rotation continued, with Gary Cahill dropping to the bench to make way for Antonio Rudiger. Meanwhile, Victor Moses was re-installed ahead of Davide Zappacosta down the right.
We should expect further changes for the Saints’ visit, with Christensen and Cesar Azpilicueta perhaps the only pair assured of their starts. Having played just 55 minutes of the Blues’ previous two in all competitions, Alonso may also retain his spot on the teamsheet.
