Fans notice Maresca repeats his lineup trick used against PSG for Bayern Munich clash | OneFootball

Chelsea’s team news is out for the game against Bayern Munich tonight, and some fans have noticed something very interesting.

The team chosen is the same as the one that schooled PSG 3-0 in the Club World Cup semi final. That means Reece James being used in central midfield, with Cole Palmer shifted to the right wing and Enzo Fernandez moved forward into Palmer’s usual position.

It’s more defensive than the usual setup – but that’s understandable in an away game against Bayern in the Champions League.

Maresca wheels out formation he practiced against PSG

Reece James blocks a cross. (Photo by Jack Thomas/Getty Images)

Ok, so there is one difference – the injured Levi Colwill has been replaced by Tosin Adarabioyo. But in terms of the formation, the plan and the other 10 players, it’s exactly the same.

The use of Cole Palmer on the right wing, with Enzo Fernandez central and Reece James put into midfield is a tactic we’ve seen Maresca use plenty of times before, and we saw a lot of it at the Club World Cup, with its use in the final concrete proof that the coach was planning on using it in exactly this sort of Champions League game against top sides.

Versatility offered by shift is important – even if it costs James

What is offers is clear – another body in central midfield to help defend, plus Palmer wider where it’s sometimes easier for him to find space to create.

The advantage of having both James and Gusto in the team is in the that, if things go pear shaped, another attacker can be brought on for Gusto, with James switching to the right hand side in his place to offer more going forward.. There have been doubts about using James centrally as it’s certainly not the position which allows him to use all his strengths.

But the value to the team is worth the trade-off, Maresca reckons.