Chelsea’s Predicted XI: We predict Frank Lampard’s starting XI as Chelsea travel across London to face Crystal Palace
Chelsea boss Frank Lampard will know he has to improve his defence.
Chelsea’s Predicted XI: We predict Frank Lampard’s starting XI as Chelsea travel across London to face Crystal Palace.
The Blues are facing their third London side within a week coming off the back of a 3-0 win over Watford at the weekend and a disappointing 3-2 defeat to West Ham United.
That defeat to the Hammers gave top-four rivals the Manchester United the chance to close the gap to just two points behind Chelsea as the race for Champions League football hots up.
Lampard will be desperate for all three points at Selhurst Park this evening, with the game kicking off at 6pm.
So what team will Lampard pick to try and overcome the Eagles. Here we predict the Chelsea boss’ XI…
Goalkeeper: Despite being dropped by Lampard before lockdown, Kepa returned to the side and will be expected to keep his place again.
Defenders: Chelsea’s back four performed pretty poorly at the London Stadium which forced Lampard to make changes. However, they kept a clean sheet at home to Watford and we expect the boss to name the same back four. Which will see Reece James at right back, with Cesar Azpilicueta on the other side and Kurt Zouma partnering Andreas Christensen in the middle.
Midfielders: Lampard has many options in the midfield with six or seven quality players to choose from. Jorginho is not playing as much football as he’ll like, and unfortunately for the Brazilian we expect that to continue tonight. We believe Lampard will go for his trusted trio of Ross Barkley, N’Golo Kante and Mason Mount.
Forwards: With 4-3-3 Lampard’s preferred formation, it seems a straight fight between Tammy Abraham and Olivier Giroud for the lone frontman spot. We think Lampard will pick the England international for this one, hoping his pace will frighten the Palace centre backs. Willian on the right and Christian Pulisic will be deployed on the other side.
Predicted XI: Kepa; James, Azpilicueta, Zouma, Christensen: Kante, Barkley, Mount; Pulisic, Willian, Abraham.