Chelsea Predicted XI: Frank Lampard’s possible starting line-up for Champions League opener against Sevilla

The Champions League returns and Chelsea face a tough opener as they host Europa League winners Sevilla at Stamford Bridge.  

Frank Lampard’s spent over £200million in the transfer window as they aim to compete for Europe’s biggest prize once again after reaching the last-16 last term.

However, despite an influx of big signings, the Blues’ defensive frailties seem to remain as they have conceded nine goals in their opening five Premier League matches.

The latest setback came last time out when the West London side drew 3-3 against Southampton after being 2-0 and 3-2 in front.

Lampard will know that he will need to find a solution quick, especially with Sevilla having beaten Roma, Wolves, Manchester United and Inter Milan in recent months on their way to Europa glory.

But with the fixtures coming thick and fast at the start of this 2020/21 campaign, the Blues boss could be forced to shuffle his pack once again.

So which players will the ex-England international task with getting a positive result at Stamford Bridge?

Here we predict Lampard’s starting XI…

Goalkeeper: Kepa Arrizabalaga’s tough time continued on Saturday as he made a mess of Southampton’s second goal. So Lampard will be happy that summer signing Edouard Mendy has made an early comeback from a thigh injury and could make a surprise to start in goal. If the Senegalese stopper is not fit enough then Lampard will most likely opt for veteran Willy Caballero.  

Defenders: After conceding three times for the second time this season, Lampard is expected to make changes at the back again. Reece James – fresh from his full England debut last week – could come in for Cesar Azpilicueta, while Thiago Silva’s Champions League experience should be utilised in place of Andreas Christensen. Otherwise, Kurt Zouma and Ben Chilwell, who is set for his Champions League debut, should keep their spots.

Midfielders: In another boost to Chelsea, Matteo Kovacic is expected to return for the visit of Sevilla and will take his place in midfield. This means it’s likely that Jorginho will drop out of the side, meaning the Croatian will play alongside N’Golo Kante in the middle. In front of those two should see record-signing Kai Havertz who netted his first Premier League goal at the weekend.

Forwards: Chelsea fans have been waiting to see Hakim Ziyech and tonight looks to be the night that will as he is set to make his competitive debut for the Blues. The Morocco international starred for Ajax in this competition and Lampard will be hoping he can do the same for his side. Alongside the 27-year-old in attack should be the names of Christian Pulisic and Timo Werner – who scored his first Premier League goals at the weekend. This means Mason Mount could be given a breather.

Predicted XI: Mendy; James, Thiago, Zouma, Chilwell; Kovacic, Kante, Havertz; Ziyech, Werner, Pulisic. 

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