[monks data]

Attendance: 31,827

Premier League

Oct 30, 2016 at 4pm UK

Southampton
0-2
Chelsea

FT(HT: 0-1)

Hazard (6'), Costa (55')

Antonio Conte to stick with 3-4-3 formation for Southampton trip

By Daniel Lewis, Senior Reporter | 28 October 2016

Antonio Conte insists that 'no defeat can change his idea' when it comes to Chelsea's 3-4-3 formation, which he intends to stick with for the meeting with Southampton.

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has revealed that he has no intention of switching formation after seeing his side fall to defeat at West Ham United last time out.

The Blues came unstuck at the London Stadium on Wednesday night in their now-favoured 3-4-3 setup, losing 2-1 to the Hammers in the fourth round of the EFL Cup.

That setback came on the back of three wins on the bounce in the Premier League, though, and Conte - who will likely call upon Cesar Azpilicueta at the back in place of skipper John Terry - plans to stick with the near-perfect system for Sunday's trip to Southampton.

"I think it is not a win or a defeat that can change my idea or the players' confidence," he told reporters. "I think it is the right way for the players because it is a good fit for the team, this system.

"We have found a good balance and also we have a good offensive situation because in every game we scored a goal. For sure we must continue to work with the offensive situation, to memorise some movements, and also in defensive situations because it is not easy.

"It is different when you defend with the four and when you defend with the three, but I see a lot of positive things and we want to continue on this aspect and we are working hard to improve. We understood this way is the right way."

Chelsea scored nine times without conceding in victories over Hull City, Leicester City and Manchester United prior to their loss at West Ham - a match overshadowed by disturbing scenes off the pitch.