Chelsea simply must sign a striker in January – and here’s why

The formation change will mean chances are more limited

In the long-run Chelsea’s formation change from 4-2-3-1 to 3-4-3 has made them more solid, but is likely to have an impact on the number of chances they create in a game.

Although it’s working out now, replacing a creative attacking midfielder with a centre back is likely to mean chances are more limited. Chelsea will have to ensure they remain as clinical as they have been in front of goal.

An extra striker will keep their options at the sharp end of the pitch fresh until the end of the season, helping them to stay fit and maintain their current performance levels. This is very important, as Costa has been known to pick up injuries more regularly during the second half of the campaign.