So, you're trying to figure out what shape Calum Macfarland will actually stick with for more than two games. After a season that saw three different managers, a squad with a high market value, and a young average age, the tactical identity at Stamford Bridge has been anything but settled. Let's break down the formations that have defined Chelsea's 2025/26 campaign, what each one demands from your fantasy picks, and which setup gives the Blues the best shot at consistency.
The Three-At-The-Back Experiment (3-4-2-1)
Enzo Maresca started the season with a back three, trying to replicate the fluidity he used at Leicester. It worked in patches—especially in European competition—but in the Premier League, it left Chelsea exposed against pace.
Key characteristics:
- Wing-backs push high, leaving only two center-backs covering transitions
- Cole Palmer operated as a free-roaming second striker, contributing goals and assists
- Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo formed a double pivot that struggled to shield the defense
- Liam Delap and Joao Pedro rotated as the lone striker, but service was inconsistent
When it failed: Against fast transitions—think Manchester City's counter-attacks—the wing-backs couldn't recover, and the center-backs were left in 2v3 or 2v4 situations.
The 4-2-3-1 Shift Under Rosenior
After Maresca's dismissal, Liam Rosenior switched to a back four. This was supposed to stabilize the defense, but it exposed a different problem: the midfield two of Caicedo and Fernandez couldn't cover the full width of the pitch without getting overrun.
Key characteristics:
- Full-backs (Reece James and Marc Cucurella) were asked to invert into midfield
- Estevao Willian and Alejandro Garnacho provided width on either side
- Pedro Neto became a super-sub, offering direct running against tired legs
- The double pivot often left space between the lines for opposition No.10s
FPL tip: Palmer's goal involvement reportedly dropped in this system, as the lack of a clear link between midfield and attack hurt his numbers.
Macfarland's 4-3-3: The Interim Solution
Since taking over, Calum Macfarland has simplified things. His 4-3-3 is less about tactical innovation and more about giving the young squad clear roles.
Key characteristics:
- A midfield three of Caicedo (holding), Fernandez (box-to-box), and Palmer (advanced right)
- Joao Pedro as the central striker, with Garnacho on the left and Neto on the right
- Full-backs stay wider, providing overlapping runs instead of inverting
- Higher defensive line to compress the pitch
The risk: This formation relies heavily on Caicedo covering ground alone in front of the back four. Against elite midfields—like Rodri's Manchester City in a potential cup final—that could be a weak point.
Formation Comparison Table
| Formation | Goals Scored (PL 25/26) | Goals Conceded (PL 25/26) | Palmer Goals | Clean Sheet % | Best Opponent Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3-4-2-1 (Maresca) | Modest per game | Moderate per game | Several | Around 20% | Low-block teams |
| 4-2-3-1 (Rosenior) | Lower per game | Higher per game | Fewer | Lower | Mid-table sides at home |
| 4-3-3 (Macfarland) | Higher per game | Lower per game | Several (in few games) | Higher | Counter-attacking teams |
What This Means for Your Fantasy Team
If you're picking Chelsea assets for FPL or just trying to predict the lineup, here's the cheat sheet:
- Cole Palmer is system-proof. He contributed goals and assists across all three formations. He's the only Chelsea player who starts regardless of the shape.
- Joao Pedro thrives in the 4-3-3. As the central striker with wide support, he's been productive under Macfarland. Delap, meanwhile, has been used as a late-game impact sub.
- Avoid Chelsea defenders unless Macfarland sticks. The 4-3-3 has improved clean sheet odds, but the sample size is tiny. Reece James is the only full-back worth considering due to his attacking returns.
- Enzo Fernandez is a differential. With multiple goals this season, he's been among the higher-scoring midfielders in the squad. In the 4-3-3, he has license to arrive late in the box.
- Garnacho and Neto are rotation risks. Both are talented, but neither has locked down a starting spot. Estevao Willian is the future, but he's still adapting to the Premier League's physicality.
The Verdict: Which Formation Should Macfarland Keep?
The 4-3-3 is clearly the best fit for this squad—at least for now. It maximizes Palmer's creativity, gives Caicedo a clear defensive role, and lets the young attackers play with freedom. But here's the catch: it requires discipline from the midfield three, and Chelsea's players have shown they can lose focus in big moments.
For a potential cup final against Manchester City, expect Macfarland to stick with the 4-3-3 but possibly drop one attacker for an extra midfielder. That would shift Palmer wider and ask Fernandez to do more defensive work—which isn't his strength.
Bottom line: Chelsea's formation roulette has hurt their Premier League campaign, but Macfarland's simplicity might be exactly what this talented, chaotic squad needs. If he can keep the 4-3-3 working through the summer, next season could look very different.
For more on how Chelsea's full-backs fit into these systems, check out our tactical breakdown of overlapping runs. And if you want to dive deeper into Macfarland's approach, our Enzo Maresca tactics piece covers how the interim manager adapted from his predecessor's philosophy.