Ancelotti to change Chelsea system in January

Carlo Ancelotti will change the system for the period when Drogba and co are off for the ACN. The 4-4-2 diamond will change to a 4-3-3 with Anelka used as a single target man with Joe Cole and Deco playing wide and behind in support.

Anelka has been playing very well so far this season scoring eight goals but the Cole and Deco additions out wide do give a lightweight look to the attack.

“The new line-up can work as long as everyone’s willing to sacrifice, and keep things balanced,” Ancelotti said.

“I think when the African players go away in January this will be the ideal solution: using one forward, Anelka, with Deco and Cole behind, and Lampard in midfield. “

Drogba plays well with Anelka because they are two forwards with different characteristics. Drogba prefers to be more static, while Anelka moves around a lot so it wasn’t very hard to get them to play together.

“The team reacted well to the change at the start of the season and can change again. I think when you bring something new tactically to a dressing room, it makes the players eager to pay attention, and they’re hungry for new things. Change is a positive thing. They certainly picked this up quickly.”

Sturridge has recently recovered from injury and featured in the second-half at Upton Park.

“We have fantastic young players and, in the future, I want to put them in the squad,” Ancelotti told FourFourTwo magazine.

“Fabio Borini played against Portsmouth, Gaël Kakuta played in the Carling Cup, and in Jeffrey Bruma as well, we have very good talent.”