Chelsea have the opportunity to return to winning ways in the Premier League when they host Brighton & Hove Albion at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
Formation: 4-3-3
Predicted Lineup:
Kepa Arrizabalaga is the undisputed goalkeeping choice for the Premier League and Champions League duties this season and he should return between the sticks ahead of Willy Caballero.
In the defence, Cesar Azpilicueta is set to get the nod for the right-back spot ahead of the young Reece James while Marcos Alonso should feature on the opposite end with Emerson recovering from a fresh thigh concern.
At the heart of the backline, Fikayo Tomori has undoubtedly won the manager’s confidence with his displays and he remains a certain starter for the game.
Alongside him, Andreas Christensen may feature after overcoming a minor knee concern. Lampard has acknowledged that the Dane still has a slight big of pain but he could be prepared to take the risk on the centre-back.
In midfield, we are anticipating the same trio from last weekend. Jorginho should feature in the deeper midfield role with N’Golo Kante and Mateo Kovacic ahead of him.
Both Kovacic and Kante have been offered the license to push forward at certain stages and the latter made the most of the opportunity against Liverpool last weekend with a sublime solo goal.
In the attack, it could be the same combination from recent league games. Mason Mount and Willian are likely to feature either side of Tammy Abraham, who has become the first-choice striker in the club’s ranks after contributing seven goals in the past four league games.
Predicted Chelsea XI (4-3-3): Kepa Arrizabalaga, Cesar Azpilicueta, Andreas Christensen, Fikayo Tomori, Marcos Alonso, Jorginho, N’Golo Kante, Mateo Kovacic, Willian, Mason Mount, Tammy Abraham