Chelsea’s Predicted XI: We predict Frank Lampard’s starting XI as Chelsea travel to Anfield in a crucial Premier League clash
Chelsea boss Frank Lampard has brought a young fresh look to his old club.
Chelsea’s Predicted XI: We predict Frank Lampard’s starting XI as Chelsea travel to Anfield in a crucial Premier League clash.
Last weekend could not have gone more perfectly for the Blues as they beat Man United comprehensively to reach the FA Cup final and their top-four rivals Leicester City lost to Tottenham Hotspur.
This leaves Chelsea in a fantastic position to qualify for next season’s Champions League, but they will know they have two tough fixtures ahead of them, hosting Wolverhampton Wanderers following tonight’s match against Liverpool.
However, manager Lampard will know if his side can get three points away to the Premier League champions tonight, they can guarantee at least a fourth placed finish by sitting four points above the Foxes with a game to go.
So what team will Lampard pick to try and overcome Liverpool. Here we predict the Chelsea boss’ XI…
Goalkeeper: Lampard stuck to his word and started Willy Caballero in goal on Sunday, but we expect Blues number one Kepa to return between the sticks tonight.
Defenders: Chelsea’s back five performed very well against United but we expect Lampard to revert back to a flat back four this evening. That means the unlucky Reece James will drop to the bench despite his energetic performance at Wembley which leaves a back line of Marcos Alonso left back, Cesar Azpilicueta on the other side and Kurt Zouma partnering Antonio Rudiger in the heart of the defence.
Midfielders: Lampard has many options in the midfield with six or seven quality players to choose from. Jorginho has found himself back in the team and we expect him to start again tonight. Ross Barkley will be hoping to replace Matteo Kovacic and start tonight’s fixture. That leaves Mason Mount who scored at Wembley to keep his place in the side.
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 believe Olivier Giroud will start ahead of Abraham given his performances. Christian Pulisic will return to the side with Willian on the other flank.
Predicted XI: Kepa; Azpilicueta, Rudiger, Zouma, Alonso: Jorginho, Barkley, Mount; Pulisic, Willian, Giroud.