How Chelsea could line up this season: Alvaro Morata set to take leading role as Antonio Rudiger arrival pushes Cesar Azpilicueta to the wing

Inactivity in the 2015-16 summer transfer window was one of the factors that led to Jose Mourinho's sacking, his anger culminating in 'palpable discord' among the squad.
Fears of a repeat this pre-season, which surfaced with Antonio Conte's unhappiness over the lack of transfers, have been quelled by a trio of headline signings - most notably the £70million deal with Real Madrid for Alvaro Morata.
But how will Morata fit into the Chelsea line-up when the new season kicks off? Sportsmail has taken a look at their likely starting XI, including fellow new boys Tiemoue Bakayoko and Antonio Rudiger.
 

Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois

Unlike last pre-season, Real Madrid links to Courtois have been far more infrequent. Unless injury hits in pre-season, he will continue as No 1 for Chelsea, with the signing of Willy Caballero being that of a capable deputy, not a contender for a starting position.

Centre back: Antonio Rudiger

Having signed for Chelsea for £31m from Roma, the 6ft 3in defender will be expecting to start the season as part of Chelsea's back three.

He has experience at playing in a back three for both Roma and Germany, with his pace and height being key components to making him a capable replacement for Azpilicueta there.

Centre back: David Luiz
The Brazilian centre back re-signed for Chelsea last season to much derision, with many questioning why Conte would want such a reckless defender in his defensive unit.
However, he proved his doubters wrong, playing the central role in Chelsea's back three perfectly. He also took on more responsibility in a team without Terry, and it is suggested he may become vice-captain next season.

Centre back: Gary Cahill
The on-pitch captain of Chelsea last season, Cahill was in a similar situation to Luiz in proving doubters wrong. With expectations being that he will become full-time captain, it would be a surprise if he didn't start the first game of the season.
However, he will be under more pressure this season to perform than before due to the return of Andreas Christensen from a two-year loan at Borussia Monchengladbach. His game has developed, and with Champions League experience, he is a highly-rated young prospect who will be looking to break into the side.

Right wing back: Cesar Azpilicueta

Arguably the most versatile defender in the Premier League, Azpilicueta played in his third defensive position last season for the Blues – this time as a centre back. His performances earned the plaudits of many, with his reliability meaning he played every minute of every league game. 

However, the arrival of Rudiger suggests that he may move forward to the role of wing back, providing an equally adept attacking threat to Moses but more defensive solidity.

Left wing back: Marcos Alonso

Alonso arrived at Chelsea last season with many unsure of his ability. Yet in the season, he was a vital cog in the Chelsea machine, providing goals, assists, and balance to the team.

Central midfield: Tiemoue Bakayoko 

The central midfield department for Chelsea will be one of interest. Bakayoko will be a regular starter in the team, but recent knee surgery on the £40million man means he may be unavailable for selection for the first game against Burnley.

With Nemanja Matic set to leave, Cesc Fabregas will be expected to fill in if that is the case, with the Spaniard reportedly told he will get more game time this season.

But despite Conte often reverting to a 3-5-2 formation suited to Fabregas, it is Bakayoko's imposing midfield presence, strength in the tackle, speed to snuff out opposition attacks and proven Champions League pedigree that give him the edge.

Central midfield: N'Golo Kante

Winner of the PFA Players' Player of the Year and FWA Footballer of the Year Awards, Kante was a machine last year. 

His game also developed, with him becoming more of an attacking threat than he had been at Leicester. It is inconceivable that, injury-aside, he doesn't start the season.

Forward: Eden Hazard 

Hazard was injured earlier on in the summer for Belgium, meaning he may be unfit for the start of the season, but once the 26-year-old regains his fitness, there are few players as devastating with the ball at his feet in the Premier League.

Willian remains an important player in the team, with his eight goals being the fourth-highest in the squad last season, but he may have to again settle for being called upon in moments of fatigue across the first-choice front line. 

Forward: Pedro

Pedro's direct pace and pressing style was very effective in the front three Chelsea deployed last season, with his nine goals and nine assists being a key part of the team's attacking success.

Centre forward: Alvaro Morata

The Spanish striker has worked with Conte before, and will start the season leading the line for the team. He is a direct replacement for Costa, but it will be interesting to see how the team's playing style changes as a result of employing a new striker.

Morata was officially a Chelsea player after completing his transfer from Real Madrid on Friday

By LAYKE_FRANCE