Chelsea are in the driving seat for a spot in next season’s Champions League, should the football season resume in what will be a successful debut campaign for head coach Frank Lampard. So, should the Blues manage to hold on for fourth-place and qualify for Europe’s premier competition, what would their starting XI look like?
According to Fotospor, the Blues are interested in Uğurcan Çakır, a transfer that could spell the end for Kepa Arrizabalaga in between the sticks. He’s enjoyed a fairly successful season for the Turkish Super Lig outfit, letting in just 27 goals in 25 appearances compared to the Spaniard who has conceded 32 times in just 25 games.
The defence has been a problem all term with Chelsea having conceded 39 times in their 29 fixtures. However, Kurt Zouma has impressed at times with Jamie Carragher claiming he was looking like a leader back in November. And then there is Antonio Rudiger, the Blues’ most experienced central defender and an individual who Lampard seems to rate very highly.
“He brings an aggression and a presence in everything he does,” Lampard told the club’s official website last month when speaking about the German.
The right-back position seems to belong to Reece James, who has been lauded by Jermaine Jenas for his crossing ability (MOTD via football.london). At left-back, Cesar Azpilicueta seems to be ageing like a fine wine with the Spain international having notched up the joint-second most assists in the squad.
Midfield is pretty easy with Mateo Kovacic, N’Golo Kante and Jorginho taking up the positions. The Croatian has gone from strength to strength this campaign and has completed the most dribbles of any player, as per WhoScored. Meanwhile, Kante’s energy in midfield will help in closing down opponents, while the Italy international’s passing ability makes him an obvious choice for the final midfield place. He averages more passes than any other midfielder at the club.
The attack is where Chelsea are extremely light. Lampard’s men have failed to score in six home games across all competitions this campaign, showing the side’s struggles in the final third. They’ve already reached an agreement to sign Hakim Ziyech, who will be on the right-wing in place of Willian, who still hasn’t agreed on a new contract.
Meanwhile, Christian Pulisic showed he possesses the necessary quality to feature consistently prior to his abductor injury, netting that impressive hat-trick against Burnley. And with Tammy Abraham having scored 13 league goals with 10 games still to go, he should be the centre-forward. What did you think about the Line-up fans?