Conte decisive on Chelsea system

Manager Antonio Conte intends to keep faith with a 3-4-3 formation when Chelsea take on Manchester United on Sunday, despite the continued absence centre backs John Terry and Kurt Zouma.

Following back-to-back defeats to Liverpool and Arsenal last month, Conte moved away from a back four toward the system that served him so well when with both Juventus and Italy.

The backline looks rather makeshift with Chelsea’s squad hit by injury, yet they beat both Hull City and Leicester City playing that way without conceding a goal.

And though Conte is still without what is likely to be his first-choice defenders, he will be sticking to his guns.

(Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

“We changed the system of play. The team took a lot of benefit from this change,” said Conte.

“The players found the right suit with this type of work. We are more compact without losing our danger in offensive situations.

“We know we must continue to work to progress in this way. This week I am seeing the right commitment and work-rate from the players, and I see players who trust this system and this type of work.

“The last game we beat a good team who won the title last season. On Sunday, we face another great team and I want to see progress compared to the Liverpool and Arsenal games, and I am confident about that.”