Alonso's Chelsea eye 3-4-3 with FPL picks emerging

Xabi Alonso deployed a three-at-the-back system in each of Chelsea's last three pre-season fixtures, signalling a potential tactical shift ahead of the 2026/27 Premier League campaign.

New signings Marco Palestra (£5.5m) and Pep Chavarria (£5.0m) have drawn attention in that wing-back role. Palestra in particular has moved into advanced positions consistently during the warm-up matches.

Maxence Lacroix (£6.0m) could also benefit from the system. The Frenchman excelled playing the middle of a back-three at Crystal Palace last season and occupied that same position against Real Sociedad at Stamford Bridge. Only two defenders recorded more Defensive Contribution points than Lacroix in 2025/26.

In midfield, Moises Caicedo (£5.5m) logged 10 defensive contributions in 76 minutes in Chelsea's most recent friendly, and also contributed a goal and an assist from a corner during the pre-season tour. Reece James (£5.5m) partnered him last weekend, picking up an assist and making two key passes from a central position.

Joao Pedro (£7.5m) has been the standout attacker of Chelsea's pre-season, scoring seven goals and adding two assists across five matches. After Pedro's hat-trick in Australia, Alonso said the Brazilian is "very hungry" and "determined to have a good season." With Cole Palmer (£9.5m) and Morgan Rogers (£7.5m) potentially operating as two number 10s behind him, Pedro is expected to generate regular scoring opportunities.