The FPL pre-season is in full swing, and it's shaping up to be an exciting time for Fantasy Premier League managers. Chelsea and Crystal Palace have provided further clues about their starting line-ups and tactics, giving us a glimpse into what we can expect in Gameweek 1.
Chelsea's 3-4-2-1 System
Xabi Alonso's 3-4-2-1 system is becoming increasingly clear, with Pedro Neto and Marco Palestra as wing-backs, and Reece James and Moises Caicedo in central midfield. Pedro, Cole Palmer, and Morgan Rogers operate as the attacking trio, with Pedro as the central striker.
Pedro has been a standout performer, with seven goals in five pre-season appearances and eight in his last seven matches for Chelsea and Brazil. His central positioning and current form make him a strong contender for the starting lineup at £7.5m.
Palmer, who completed 76 minutes, showed more encouraging involvement, but he still didn't look completely sharp. However, his relationship with Rogers and Pedro is fluid, with the trio dropping away from the defensive line to create space for each other.
James, playing centrally, produced one of Chelsea's best creative moments, supplying Pedro's first goal with an excellent cross. He also found Rogers with a superb pass during the first half and grew increasingly influential after the interval.
Crystal Palace's Back Three
Crystal Palace, on the other hand, has been experimenting with a back three, with Chadi Riad, Chris Richards, and Jaydee Canvot in front of Dean Henderson. This system is becoming increasingly clear, with Oscar Mingueza and Tyrick Mitchell as wing-backs.
Palace struggled to create clear chances, despite enjoying spells of possession. Henderson was considerably busier at the other end, producing several saves on his return.
Freiburg's Dominance
Freiburg dominated Crystal Palace, with Yannick Engelhardt converting a close-range rebound and Lucas Holer doubling their advantage shortly afterwards. Palace finished the regulation match with greater attacking intent, but it wasn't enough to prevent a 3-0 defeat.
Conclusion
The FPL pre-season is providing valuable insights into the tactics and line-ups of top teams. With the season just around the corner, managers can start to make informed decisions about their Fantasy Premier League teams.
