Chelsea Predicted XI: We predict Frank Lampard’s starting line-up as they host Leeds United in the Premier League

After winning 4-0 in the Europa League against Sevilla on Thursday, Chelsea will welcome fans back to Stamford Bridge with the wind in their sails knowing that victory over Leeds United could take them top of the league.

With 22, Chelsea have scored the joint-most goals in the league this season, while Leeds have the fifth worst defensive record, meaning that Saturday’s match is likely to see plenty of goals.

This is the first time the sides have faced each other in nearly eight years – the previous encounter being a League Cup tie in December 2012 which finished 5-1 to the Blues.

Chelsea’s last league outing was a 0-0 draw with leaders Tottenham Hotspur, but with the Leeds match sandwiched in between two Europa League fixtures, it is possible that manager Frank Lampard will opt for squad rotation in the interest of fitness.

Here we predict Lampard’s XI…

Goalkeeper:

Senegal international Edouard Mendy has the most Premier League clean sheets this season, having looked an assured member of the Chelsea backline since his move from Rennes in the summer. Big-money signing Kepa Arrizabalaga never seemed to have the full backing of Lampard and has not played since mid-October.

Defenders:

Ben Chilwell was rested during Chelsea’s clash with Sevilla, but we expect Emerson to drop to the bench and the former Leicester City left-back to return to face Leeds. Likewise, Reece James was an unused substitute in Seville with Cesar Azpilicueta occupying the right-back position, but it is anticipated that the England international will return to the starting XI. Although Chelsea did keep a clean sheet in their Europa League fixture, it looks likely that the centre-back pairing of Thiago Silva and Kurt Zouma will get the nod on Saturday.

Midfielders:

Frank Lampard appears to have found a settled midfield trio of Mateo Kovacic, Mason Mount and N’Golo Kante, who all started in Chelsea’s last two league games, earning plenty of plaudits from fans. But the Blues certainly have strong options from the bench such as Jorginho and £72 million summer signing Kai Havertz, who both started in the 4-0 rout in Seville.

Forwards:

After Olivier Giroud’s four goals against Sevilla, we would be shocked to see the Frenchman left out of the starting XI on Saturday. If the 34-year-old is not handed his first start of the season after an incredible four-goal haul, he never will. Unless Lampard opts for two strikers, Giroud’s likely starting spot will come at the expense of Tammy Abraham, who has not had a poor season by any means, with three goals in nine league appearances. Hakim Ziyech and Timo Werner are likely to return to the starting XI in place of Christian Pulisic and Callum Hudson-Odoi.