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Defence- Azpilicueta, Rudiger, David Luiz, Marcos Alonso
RB: Cesar Azpilicueta
After spending 2 seasons in the center of the defence, Azpi will start this season on the right flank of the defence, his preferred position. Azpi is known for his one on one defending and will be crucial for the team given the way Sarri uses the wings. He has been great at defence and offence throughout the past seasons and has a great connection with his team’s attackers. Another in line for the starting position is Davide Zappacosta. The Italian regularly featured in Conte’s team but was threatened by Victor Moses. Zappacosta was signed last year and will look to improve on his game time this season but that will be made difficult due to Azipilicueta’s change in role.
CB: David Luiz, Antonio Rudiger
The preseason has shown certain developments in how Chelsea will line up and how will they play this season. Much like Guardiola, Mauro Sarri’s game play requires centre backs that are good with the ball at their feet and given the way he has played in the preseason, David Luiz seems to have cemented his place in the starting XI after being boycotted by Antonio Conte for his last season. He was linked with a move away from the Stamford Bridge but seems to have been reassured by his coach that he is important to him and the team.
Another man on the charts to start for Mauro Sarri this season is Antonio Rudiger. The German had a mixed season last year and was criticized for most of his performances. Apparently he needed time to settle in England. His performances bettered as the season went on and he was a prominent figure in the back 3 of Conte’s formation at the back-end of the season. Rudiger has developed and will be in contention to start for Sarri.
Gary Cahill will hope to start the games ahead of Rudiger but given his age and Rudiger’s superior confidence on the ball, it is highly unlikely that he will feature more than the German. The likes of Christensen and Ampadu will get more game time as Sarri is known to put trust in youngsters that are ready to shine.
LB: Marcos Alonso
Alonso was an undisputed starter in Conte’s favored XI, returning the favor by scoring goals and assisting his team-mates. Despite his attacking contributions, his season was a mix of ups and downs as his defensive qualities were brought under question by certain attacking teams. After being snubbed by his National team, Alonso is likely to start in Sarri’s XI and closely following him for the starting position will be Emerson. The Italian signed during the winter transfer window but did not feature a lot, making 5 appearances throughout the season. He will look to dethrone the Spaniard of his starting place, but he is likely to play the backup role only.
