Chelsea return to Premier League action this weekend when they host former assistant manager, Paul Clement, and his Swansea side, for a clash which signifies the progress made by Antonio Conte in west London this season.
A 2-2 draw with the Swans early in September began a run which prompted Conte to make his switch to the 3-4-3 system which has brought them so much success in the months since.
A lot has happened at Stamford Bridge since that change, even more in south Wales, with the appointment of Clement looking to have settled things after the sackings of both Francesco Guidolin and Bob Bradley.
Their meeting in west London on Saturday afternoon could, having gained revenge on Arsenal in recent weeks, bring Conte’s transformation full circle ahead of the Premier League title run in.
With both Manchester clubs, and Arsenal, out of action this weekend, thanks to Manchester United and Southampton’s engagement in the EFL Cup final at Wembley on Sunday, Conte’s side have the chance, should everything go their way, to be thirteen points clear atop the table come the end of Liverpool’s clash with Leicester on Monday night.
Should they put such daylight between themselves and the chasing pack, it is hard to see a side of such quality throwing the title away.
Therefore, whilst on the face of it players and staff will remain focused on the next game, planning will inevitably begin on building a side to take their success even further next season.
Targets will have been pinpointed and discussions underway over who will be coming in and out of the Bridge over the summer months.
However, the Blues must be careful with their additions. They may seem a completely different side right now, but this is still largely the same Chelsea side which went from Premier League champions to propping up the top half of the table in one season.
With that in mind, Conte must add precisely where is needed and no more. They are, in this moment, a collective, dovetailing perfectly on every attack and defending as a solid outfit. Such form creates a bond between an eleven which, if disrupted by too many new additions, could easily be broken.
One thing which the former Juventus boss has on his side is the strength in depth which already exists in his squad. When the likes of Willian, Cesc Fabregas and Kurt Zouma aren’t assured a starting spot, you know you’ve a strong squad on your hands.
The only big name change that may have to be made is in the strikers berth, with the future of Diego Costa still very much in the air.
However, aside from the Spaniard, there is no real need for a mass overhaul ahead of next season. A couple of canny additions and promotions from the youth ranks and Chelsea, once again, will be the team to beat at home and abroad next season. To gain victory over Swansea some magic from Costa and Hazard plus Diego Costa will likely be the factors needed to secure the win and the title this campaign and who knows maybe the talismanic Costa will stay to lead the best attacking like in Europe. .