Chelsea completed an undefeated March heading into the international break but by not claiming three points against Everton, the Blues did lose some momentum. Graham Potter will now take a short break before looking to galvanise his side ahead of a hectic April and testing end to the season.
The two-week break in the domestic calendar will allow Chelsea some respite and the opportunity to see a number of injured stars hopefully return in time for their next fixture. The likes of Cesar Azpilicueta, Mason Mount, Raheem Sterling, Wesley Fofana and Edouard Mendy all have time to return in time for the clash against Aston Villa.
A clear schedule has also been set out for N'Golo Kante to continue his build to full fitness with the potential for an internal friendly to assist this. With matches against Real Madrid coming quickly that could decide the success of Chelsea's season, the Frenchman's presence will be a much-needed boost.
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Potter has not yet had the opportunity to field Kante, and with that, comes the question of where the 31-year-old will best fit in. football.london Chelsea reporters Adam Newson and Scott Trotter discussed as much on the latest episode of View from the Bridge.
Scott: "Do you think Potter will stick with a two in midfield or will we see a three? It's hard not to just have the mouth-watering prospect of Kante and Enzo playing together and will that release Enzo?"
Adam: "I'm going to be very honest, I don't know what you do. If you go to a midfield three with Kante, Kovacic and Enzo, that's a hugely talented midfield but then you only have two in attack. That could be Felix and Havertz but we've already discussed Madueke and Mudryk, and taking out one attacking position then.
"We've seen Kante at his best in that double six. When Leicester won the title he played in the middle with Danny Drinkwater, when Chelsea won the title under Conte it was Kante and Matic, when Chelsea won the Champions League it was Kante alongside Jorginho. You can probably get the best out of Kante in a midfield two. Enzo is a non-negotiable. You do think the way forward if Kante is fit is an Enzo and Kante midfield and there's a lot to like about that. I think they would complement each other quite well.
"I don't know if longer term you want a more naturally sit-in midfield if Chelsea move away from a back three and you can let Kante and Enzo do their thing. On the basis of this season, stay with the three at the back, stick with the double six, bring in Kante when he is up to speed and as harsh as it is on Mateo Kovacic, an Enzo-Kante partnership is very, very appealing and could do very well in the Champions League if, a big if, Kante is fully up to speed at that point."
The duo also discussed Potter's decisions against Everton, Chelsea's mistakes, the benefit facing Real Madrid can have for the whole of the Chelsea squad and much more. You can find the podcast and the latest episode on most platforms by heading right here.
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