Chelsea Predicted XI: We predict Chelsea manager Frank Lampard’s starting XI as they host Premier League champions Liverpool at Stamford Bridge
Lampard is managing his very large squad.
Chelsea Predicted XI: We predict Chelsea manager Frank Lampard’s starting XI as they host Premier League champions Liverpool at Stamford Bridge.
This afternoon at 4:30pm will show the first clash of the top four teams as old rivals Chelsea and Liverpool go head-to-head for three Premier League points.
Following their 3-1 victory away at Brighton on the opening weekend of the season, Lampard will be desperate for another positive performance and some kind of a result.
Of course, Lampard would probably take a draw if asked now, but both sides will be expected to play for the win and it should make for a fascinating game of football.
Here we predict Chelsea’s starting XI…
Goalkeeper:
After a rollercoaster of a season last term, Lampard has openly backed his number 1 Kepa and he looked assured in this season’s first outing on the South Coast. There’s no doubting the 25-year-old’s talent, but he has been known to make mistakes, especially in the big games.
Defenders:
It hasn’t been discussed that often, but Lampard’s squad isn’t in the best shape with quite a few injuries to contend with. New signings Thiago Silva and Ben Chilwell are not ready for action yet. We expect Lampard to name the same back four that played at Brighton, goalscorer Reece James at right back, Marcos Alonso on the other side, with Kurt Zouma and Andreas Christensen in the middle.
Midfielders:
Lampard has a host of talent to choose from in the midfield area. We expect N’Golo Kante to retain his place in the holding role with Jorginho alongside him. However, Kai Havertz was disappointing on Monday night so we expect Ross Barkley to start t provide a more robust midfield three.
Forwards:
Timo Werner will be seen as Lampard’s main striker throughout the season and he will start again today. Mason Mount will get the nod also, with the young England international vital in this Blues side. We think Lampard will rest Ruben Loftus-Cheek and give Callum Hudson-Odoi a runout, in hope that his pace and directness will cause the Liverpool backline problems.
Predicted XI: Kepa, James, Zouma, Christensen, Alonso, Kante, Jorginho, Barkely, Mount, Hudson-Odoi, Werner