Chelsea Won't Win Playing a 4-4-2 with Torres and Drogba

Can Drogba and Torres Play Together? Ich Don’t Think So

Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti has admitted that he is considering starting both Didier Drogba and Fernando Torres up front together this coming weekend.

Why? And what does that mean for the value of attacking midfielders Frank Lampard, Salomon Kalou, and Florent Malouda?

Surely Kalou, Mikel or Malouda would be sacrificed to the bench if Torres was inserted into a starting 4-4-2: as it seems Essien and Lampard are un-droppable in the middle of the pitch. Or would the Blues stick with their 4-3-3 and stick Drogba in an unconventional wide position in place of Kalou or Malouda? Strange.

Former Tottenham boss David Pleat doesn’t see it working: “Take away one of those providers to accommodate a front two and the effect is nullified. Ancelotti knew that Florent Malouda, Salomon Kalou and Yossi Benayoun could all create; now he knows that both Drogba and Torres can score.” But can they score playing together?

It will be interesting to see if both Drogba and Torres start this weekend against Tottenham. From a Fantasy Premier League perspective, the move could have serious implications. Kalou and Malouda are in superb form and surely one would be dropped to the bench if Ancelotti kept Chelsea’s 4-3-3 formation. In a 4-4-2, perhaps Mikel is dropped and Essien drops deep with Lampard in the centre of the pitch… Kalou and Malouda could start on the wings there, but neither is known as a box-to-box midfielder who likes to track back and defend, and with the likes of Lennon and Bale across the pitch you have to think that’s not going to be a preferred option….

I can’t see the logic in this potential move to a 4-4-2 for Chelsea just to accommodate Torres. They are still in the title hunt and are in great form. Sure, they have to play both Tottenham and Manchester United, but they are in with a shout… If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. The 4-3-3 has gotten the Blues within striking distance of a Manchester United slip up, and a Torres – Drogba partnership – even for 45 minutes at Tottenham, could throw it all away.