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Jake Stokes

Three ways Chelsea can lineup vs Leeds as Thomas Tuchel dealt dilemma amid big N'Golo Kante blow

Thomas Tuchel has a handful of tough decisions to make this afternoon against Leeds United, with N'Golo Kante and Mateo Kovacic unlikely to start. Jesse Marsch is set to welcome Chelsea to Elland Road, with either side looking to continue a rich vein of form.

The Blues side kicked off the new season with a 1-0 win over Everton despite a somewhat lacklustre performance, before locking horns with Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge, where an impressive display was dampened by a controversial stoppage-time equaliser.

Chelsea will be looking to translate a good performance into three points, even if a few stars names are out of the picture. There was no sign of Kante or Kovacic in training ahead of the weekend.

READ MORE: Wesley Fofana asks to be left out of Leicester squad as Chelsea transfer talk intensifies

The France international hobbled off in the clash against Spurs; he fell to the ground clutching his hamstring before being pulled from proceedings and, with his injury history in mind, there's 'no good news' according to Tuchel. With regard to Kovacic, he's already been ruled out of the bout in Yorkshire - the Croatian is suffering from a slight knee issue at this moment in time.

So, with all things considered, we, football.london, took a look at how Chelsea could line up against Leeds this afternoon.

3-4-3

The 3-4-3 has been synonymous with Chelsea since Tuchel took the helm at Stamford Bridge. It proved successful against Spurs last week, with Marc Cucurella and Ruben Loftus-Cheek in the respective wing-back roles.

How Tuchel could set Chelsea up vs Leeds in a 3-4-3 (https://www.buildlineup.com/)

Reece James started at right centre-half against the north Londoners. Though, it must be said that he shifted into sixth gear when unleashed at wing-back.

4-3-3

Chelsea have a handful of options in midfield and a 4-3-3 could be ideal to accommodate everyone. Conor Gallagher and new signing Carney Chukwuemeka are yet to be granted a start in the Premier League under Tuchel; with N'Golo Kante and Mateo Kovacic out injured this could be the perfect chance.

How Tuchel could set Chelsea up vs Leeds in a 4-3-3 (https://www.buildlineup.com/)

3-4-1-2

This formation was trialled and tested on several occasions by Tuchel at Chelsea last season. Though not too dissimilar to the 3-4-3, Mount has relished the number ten role, handing the German boss a headache with Kai Havertz in contention, too, amid competition from Raheem Sterling for a place in the front two.

How Tuchel could set Chelsea up vs Leeds in a 3-4-1-2 (https://www.buildlineup.com/)

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