By Ollie Irish
Someone tells Carlo Ancelotti he left the iron on
The disclaimer: I know modern Premier League teams have big squads which they rotate, and I know there’s quite a difference between the team you pick for a home match and an away match. Just so we’re clear on that.
Okay, with that in mind, and remembering that this is just a harmless bit of fun, I want you to pick Chelsea’s best starting XI for the coming season – in the Premier League, mind.
I’ll go first.
The formation: With the squad they have, 4-3-3 is probably the ideal formation, as shown last season. So that’s what I’ve gone with.
The line-up:
Petr Cech
Branislav Ivanovic – Ricardo Carvalho – Alex – Ashley Cole
Ramires – Michael Essien (c) – Frank Lampard
Nicolas Anelka – Didier Drogba – Florent Malouda
The keeper is solid, the back four – minus John Terry, who is Chelsea’s third-best CB – is very solid, the midfield is full of running, and there is guile, power and pace up front. I’ve given the captain’s armband to Essien, simply because he’s awesome and he can lead by example. Overall, this XI looks formidable.
I’ve shown you mine. Now you show me yours…
What is Arsenal’s best starting XI?