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Chelsea Uncovered: Diego Costa plan, three could leave, transfer plans revealed
OUR Chelsea man takes a closer look at Antonio Conte’s side.
Fans remember Chelsea's 5-4 victory over Man United
Targets
Eleven games left in the Premier League season and Chelsea have a 10-point lead. They look on course for a second title in three seasons and a first under Antonio Conte.
But, there are still tricky league games to come at home to Manchester City and away to Manchester United. It is not over yet, but on this form the fat lady is warming up.
And then there is the FA Cup. Get past their old boss Jose Mourinho and Manchester United on Monday and the double – which Carlo Ancelotti also won in his first season in charge at Stamford Bridge – is well and truly on.
Our Chelsea man has taken a closer look at Antonio Conte’s side
Positives
Just about everything, under Conte’s firm meticulous grip. Wing-backs Victor Moses and Marcos Alonso are working well, Diego Costa and Eden Hazard are back to their best, Pedro has found a new lease of life, and even Cesc Fabregas is full of beans despite spending most of the season on the bench. Positives all over the place.
Problems
Chelsea have had problems in the air at the back but they coped pretty well with Andy Carroll at West Ham. Still occasionally vulnerable though.
Alavaro Morata could replace Diego Costa at Chelsea
Transfer plans
Conte will look to strengthen his midfield in the summer despite reports that Nemanja Matic is in line for a new contract.
Fabregas, if he is not promised more game-time, could move on. Roma’s Radja Naingollen is a long-term target but he is likely to be too expensive.
Franck Kessie from Atalanta is more likely. He will look to bolster his defence – Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly and Middlesbrough’s Ben Gibson are both on the radar.
And in attack, if Costa goes and with Michy Batshouayi also likely to move on, Real Madrid’s Alavaro Morata is the favourite to arrive while Swansea’s Fernando Llorente is liked.
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