Chelsea Predicted XI: We predict Frank Lampard’s starting team as Chelsea host Tottenham in a vital Premier League game this afternoon

Chelsea Predicted XI: We predict Frank Lampard’s starting team as Chelsea host Tottenham Hotspur in a vital Premier League game this afternoon.

This afternoon’s fixture is without doubt the biggest match of the Premier League weekend as 3rd placed Chelsea, face 2nd place Tottenham Hotspur with both teams a win away from going top of the table.

There will be extra incentive for both teams, after Liverpool failed to beat Brighton & Hove Albion yesterday.

Lampard’s side are on a remarkable run of form, winning their last six matches in a row across all competitions and looking a very solid outfit in the process.

However, the Blues opponents Spurs are on a similar run of good form themselves, and in manager Jose Mourinho at the helm, this fixture was always going to have that extra intensity.

Here we predict Chelsea’s starting XI to take on Spurs…

Goalkeeper:

Edouard Mendy has settled in extremely well since his move – from Rennes – in September.  The 28-year-old will now look forward to playing such a big gaame as he aims to register his eighth Blues clean sheet and seventh in the last nine matches. Those numbers prove what a much needed signing the Senegal international was with Kepa Arrizabalaga struggling for form.

Defenders:

Although the Blues put in another solid performance in the win at Newcastle United last weekend and again midweek in the Champions League, Lampard will be hoping of more of the same. Reece James has been exceptional all season and will have the difficult task of keeping Heung-min Son quiet. Meanwhile, at centre-back, the experienced Thiago Silva should return after being given a rest at the weekend following his international travel with Brazil. Alongside the former PSG star should still sit the now seemingly reliable Kurt Zouma, while Ben Chilwell should continue at left-back.

Midfielders:

In the middle of the park, N’Golo Kante has been in top form of late so will be expected to continue in his natural defensive midfield role as Chelsea will be keen to stop the Tottenham attacks. Despite having numerous options, Lampard is also expected to stick with Mateo Kovacic and Mason Mount, who both impressed and played 90 minutes in the win at St James’ Park. That leaves Kai Havertz and the returning Christian Pulisic as fantastic options off the bench.

Forwards:

With plenty of top forwards at his disposal, it’s not been easy for Lampard to settle on a front-three. However, in recent matches, the combination of Hakim Ziyech, Timo Werner and Tammy Abraham has been effective enough that he will stick with the trio this afternoon. Playing from the left, Werner has still chipped in with goals and assists, while Abraham has scored in his last three Chelsea games. This leaves the likes of Olivier Giroud and Callum Hudson-Odoi on the bench – not bad at all.

Predicted Chelsea XI: Mendy; James, Zouma, Silva, Chilwell; Kante, Kovacic, Mount; Ziyech, Werner, Abraham.