How Chelsea could line up with Ross Barkley

Ross Barkley is set to make his Chelsea debut against Brighton on Saturday and, if he does, many fans will be wondering just where the midfielder will be deployed.

Barkley completed a £15m move to Chelsea from Everton a fortnight ago, and has subsequently been put through his paces by training with the first team at Cobham.

He was due to make his debut in Chelsea's FA Cup third-round replay win against Norwich in midweek, but was not registered in time to feature at Stamford Bridge.

Conte has switched between two different tactical systems this season - a 3-5-2 and a 3-4-3 formation. In the former, Barkley would likely play as one of the three midfielders next to N'Golo Kante and Tiemoue Bakayoko.

But if utilised in a more attacking 3-4-3 line-up, there are two positions Barkley could play in - either next to Kante in the middle of the park or, though more unlikely, on the right wing which Willian and Pedro usually occupy.

The England international has previously said his best position is just behind the striker but, in his first interview after joining Chelsea, he insisted he is versatile and can play "anywhere across midfield or in the No.10 [position], further up or in the inside forward positions - or anywhere I'm needed."

Conte seems to share Barkley's view, saying: "I think he can play as a midfielder, or as a No.10. Ross is a creative player and is definitely a good signing for the club."

And Standard Sport has looked more closely at Barkley's likely position in the Chelsea team, analysing just where he could be deployed in Conte's 3-5-2 and 3-4-3 formations, which you can see in the video above.

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