For the ninth time since Roman Abramovich took over in 2003, Chelsea are setting up for the upcoming season with a new manager.

Maurizio Sarri will be the man to lead the Blues out in their first Premier League game against Huddersfield Town on Saturday, having taken charge last month.

The Italian has already overseen three pre-season friendlies and the Community Shield final defeat, all of which have shown the club still have a lot more work to do.

Unlike Antonio Conte, the man he replaced, Sarri utilises a 4-3-3 formation, bringing an end to the three-at-the-back Chelsea had used over the past two seasons to some success.

As a result, Chelsea are a work in progress and will continue to be so for the upcoming season – especially with the future of some of their biggest players in doubt.

With all that in mind, this is how Chelsea could line up under Sarri this year.

1. First-choice XI

Once everyone is back, and assuming no one leaves (or arrives) before the end of the transfer window, this should be the favoured starting XI for Sarri at Chelsea.

In goal, if they can keep hold of him, there is no one better at the club than Thibaut Courtois. The Belgian is one of the best goalkeepers in the world and his presence will be vital at the back for Chelsea.

Ahead of him will be the foundation of Chelsea’s attacks for the upcoming season, in the return of a back four at Stamford Bridge. Cesar Azpilicueta is likely to be captain next season with Gary Cahill’s future in doubt and will return to right-back to provide defensive solidity to the flank – showing he can play anywhere. Two ball-playing centre-backs line up next to him with both Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen known for their passing ability and calmness on the ball, even in close proximity to their own goal.

At left-back, Alonso presents the best option at the club, and his attacking style of play will fit into Sarri’s left-heavy system, though he will be caught out a lot defensively given his best position is as a wing-back.

Slightly ahead of the defence will be the glue holding Sarri’s system together, with Jorginho once again being key for the Italian, as he was at Napoli. The midfielder is the link between defence and attack, dropping deep to play alongside his back four when on the ball, to help move it around and up the pitch.

Alongside him on the right, the ever-brilliant N’Golo Kante may become even better in Sarri’s system, able to move about a bit more while teaming up with Jorginho to shut down opposition attacks.

The other position in the trio may be the most competitive at Chelsea but Ross Barkley should get the nod. While Cesc Fabregas has proven a good player at Chelsea, he does not have the legs to fill the role that Marek Hamsik had at Napoli under Sarri. Barkley has not enjoyed the best start to life at Stamford Bridge since joining in January but he was trusted in pre-season and has shown promise, using his attacking mind to the benefit of the team.

Up front, Alvaro Morata has not had the best pre-season but represents the striker most likely to start under Sarri with Olivier Giroud reportedly not in the Italian’s plans, and Michy Batshuayi as well as Tammy Abraham’s roles unclear. The Spaniard is certainly not the worst striker but his low confidence could be a problem if it carries over the next few months.

On the right side of him, Pedro has impressed in pre-season and having recently signed a one-year contract extension, looks to be part of Sarri’s immediate future – so will likely start over Willian thanks to his goalscoring prowess and direct style.

While on the other side, assuming he stays, Eden Hazard will cause havoc as a very attacking left winger, given freedom under his new manager which he certainly did not receive under Conte.