After a hectic start to this Premier League season, the first international break is upon us and managers are sweating over the fitness of their players on international duty, training grounds are much quieter than normal with only eight or nine players working in the week and clubs are analysing their opening three games in terms of their own performances but also the trends of other clubs that they are competing with.
Last year Chelsea won the title based on Antonio Conte’s 3-4-3 system which allowed players such as Eden Hazard, Pedro and Willian the freedom to cause damage in key areas high up the pitch and I’ve found it fascinating how many teams are adapting their own systems – often on a game-by-game process – from four at the back to three central defenders.
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