Chelsea predicted XI vs Sevilla: Frank Lampard’s possible starting line-up with Blues boss set to make changes

Chelsea travel to Spain to take on Sevilla knowing a win will guarantee they finish top in Group E. 

Frank Lampard’s side have already sealed qualification to the last-16 having picked up 10 points from four matches.

However, he will want to rack up a fourth victory in five to ensure a potentially easier tie in the knockout stage.

In the reverse fixture these top-two sides played out a 0-0 draw at Stamford Bridge but both have gone on to win their three European matches since.

With qualification in the bag and Leeds United to come at the weekend, Chelsea, who are unbeaten in 11 matches in all competitions, are expected to rotate their squad for this one.

So which players will Lampard pick to try and secure tops-pot in the group?

Here we predict the Chelsea’s starting XI to take on Sevilla at Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan…

Goalkeeper:

Despite the fact Chelsea re already through, Lampard is expected to stick with summer signing Edouard Mendy in goal over record-buy Kepa Arrizabalaga. Mendy has been impressive since arriving from Rennes and has kept eight clean sheets for the Blues already. Three of those shutouts have come in the Champions League and the Senegalese stopper will be aiming to make it four in Spain.

Defenders:

Due to the form of Reece James, club-captain Cesar Azpilicueta has had to be patient this season. However, the Spaniard is expected to come in and skipper the side on Wednesday having played two of the four Champions League matches so far. At left-back, Lampard is expected to stick with Ben Chilwell who has slotted in comfortably since his transfer from Leicester City. In the middle, Thiago Silva could be rested for the Leeds United game, giving Antonio Rudiger another chance to work his way back into first XI plans. Alongside the German should stay  the in-form Kurt Zouma, who has started 13 of a combined 14 matches in the Premier and Champions League this season.

Midfielders:

Lampard will be pleased to see Billy Gilmour back fully fit again after recovering from a knee injury he suffered in July. However, the Scot will probably most likely feature from the bench in this one with Jorginho starting in the DM role to give N’Golo Kante a breather. Ahead of the Italian, club-record signing Kai Havertz should start his first game since a positive Covid-19 test alongside Mason Mount, who has been in terrific form in recent matches. 

Forwards:

Lampard has an abundance of talent to choose from in his forward ranks and could look to give those who have needed game time more of it in this one. We feel the regular front-three of Timo Werner, Tammy Abraham and Hakim Ziyech could all be rested with Callum Hudson-Odoi and Christian Pulisic, who’s recently returned from injury, starting in the wide roles. In the centre-forward position, Olivier Giroud, who scored the late winner in Rennes last week, could also earn just his second start of the season.

Predicted Chelsea XI vs Sevilla: Mendy; Azpilicueta, Zouma, Rudiger, Chilwell; Havertz, Jorginho, Mount; Hudson-Odoi, Pulisic, Giroud.