What is Chelsea's Strongest Line-up?

Mocked, doubted, and laughed at for two seasons of chaotic recruitment, Chelsea might just be ready to flip the script—and make it all make sense.

With Enzo Maresca firmly at the wheel, the Blues are embarking on yet another era—this one defined by youth potential, tactical fluidity and a squad so big it borders on excessive.

But the biggest question that comes from this is this - what is Chelsea's best starting XI?

Spoiler: there’s no right answer. But the Blues have options—from a first-choice XI to a high-pressing machine and a youth-only experiment that might just work.

Let's get into it!

Chelsea's A Team

Formation - 4-2-3-1

Lineup - Sanchez, James, Adarabioyo, Colwill, Cucurella, Caicedo, Enzo, Nkunku, Palmer, Gittens, Delap

This is Maresca's most balanced side. You have pace from players such as Liam Delap, Cole Palmer and Christopher Nkunku, the technical ability with the ball from Jamie Gittens, Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo, and then a strong defensive block that even the best attacks will struggle to break down.

One of the biggest benefits of this 4-2-3-1 system is that when Reece James naturally bombs down the right-hand side to help the attack, the formation can easily morph fluidly into a 3-2-5 with Marc Cucurella tucking into a left-sided centre back role.

The High Press XI

Formation - 4-3-3

Lineup - Sanchez, Gusto, Adarabioyo, Colwill, Cucurella, Enzo, Caicedo, Nkunku, Neto, Joao Pedro, Gittens

Along with being a high-press XI, this lineup can also feature when Cole Palmer is unavailable—whether that be through injury or suspension.

A front three of Pedro Neto, Joao Pedro and Gittens will terrorise defences. Neto and Gittens will push up and pressure opposing defenders, leaving Joao Pedro open for a killer through ball. Enzo and Caicedo can hold the midfield line, and when they inevitably win the ball, they will have three quick forwards whom they can lay the ball off to.

Against low-block teams, Malo Gusto and Cucurella will push up high to pin opponents, which will leave even more space for the fluid attack of the front three.

With players such as Palmer, Delap and Jackson ready on the bench, this team can adapt mid-game—allowing for a change of intensity, formation and tempo.

Defensive XI

Formation - 3-4-2-1

Lineup - Sanchez, Adarabioyo, Sarr, Colwill, Gusto, Caicedo, Essugo, Cucurella, Palmer, Nkunku, Jackson

Featuring two players who are yet to make their Premier League debut thus far (Mamadou Sarr and Dario Essugo), this side is set up to play against tricky away days where quick build-up play will be needed, along with a strong defensive line.

Essugo adds a burst of youthful dynamism to the engine room, anchored by Caicedo who, despite being just 23 years old, is one of the best defensive midfielders in the world.

Palmer and Nkunku operate as dual No.10s, offering fluid movement and creative variety behind the striker. This Swiss Army knife of an attack is completed by Jackson up front—always ready to receive line-breaking passes in behind.

Gusto and Cucurella both act as full-backs in this system. When called on, they can attack and defend, allowing this formation to alternate between a 3-4-2-1 and a more traditional 5-2-2-1.

The Youth Side

Formation - 4-3-3

Lineup - Jorgensen, Gusto, Sarr, Veiga, Colwill, Essugo, Lavia, Santos, George, Delap, Guiu

An extremely young team filled with players who could become integral parts of the Chelsea squad in the years to come. Every player in this team is aged 23 or younger.

Whilst it is highly unlikely to see a team like this play—unless Chelsea face off against a lower league side in a cup match—it is likely that many of these players will earn minutes for the club throughout the season.

Yet despite the youthfulness of this squad, players such as Gusto, Delap and Colwill have all proved themselves at the highest level.

This lineup is not just a young squad with huge potential; it is a testament to Chelsea's squad depth and long-term planning.

The Peak XI

Formation - 3-2-4-1

Lineup - Sanchez, Adarabioyo, Colwill, Sarr, Caicedo, Enzo, James, Palmer, Nkunku, Cucurella, Delap

This would be Enzo Maresca's tactical dreamscape—madness personified, even.

This formation mirrors his time at Leicester, but it is elevated by the elite personnel. This 3-2-4-1 creates midfield superiority whilst allowing both James and Cucurella to help out defensively and offensively.

This side will be built around the technical brilliance of Cole Palmer. Give him the ball, and wonders will happen.

This team is balanced, aggressive and will score a bounty of goals, but it would only work when every player is fit.

Final Word

It’s clear that Chelsea’s depth is remarkable—they have a myriad of players they can rotate in without compromising quality or identity. With the transfer window still open for over a month, there is no telling who Chelsea could still bring in.

The question is, what version of Chelsea would you like to see?