Chelsea’s Predicted XI: We predict Frank Lampard’s starting XI as Chelsea travel to London rivals West Ham United

Chelsea’s Predicted XI: We predict Frank Lampard’s starting XI as Chelsea travel to London rivals West Ham United.

This evening sees Frank Lampard’s Chelsea try and get their five-point gap back to Champions League qualification rivals Manchester United and Wolverhampton Wanderers, as they face the Hammers.

It’s a massive game for both clubs, with Chelsea hunting down Leciester City in third place and West Ham United only above the relegation places on goal difference.

Away side Chelsea will be favourites going into tonight game though, as they have made a strong start to life post-lockdown winning all three of their games.

So what team will Lampard pick to try and overcome the East Londeners. 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 looked a little vunlerable in the first half against Leicester in the FA Cup, forcing Lampard to make half-time changes. We think Cesar Azpilicueta will come back into the starting line-up with Marcos Alonso on the other flank. That leaves Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen as the centre back pairing.

Midfielders: Mason Mount has played a lot of football in a Chelsea shirt this season and Lamaprd may choose to give the talented attacking midfielder a rest in place of goalscoring Ross Barkley. The weekend’s game was a tough outing for youngster Billy Gilmour, so we expect to see Matte Kovacic and N’Golo Kante in the midfield three.

Forwards: We think Lampard will stick will start Tammy Abraham for this one. It seems to be a straight fight between the England international and Oliver Giroud at this time. Despite ongoing contract talks, Willian will get the nod again with his pace and trickery vital in this Chelsea set-up. And in-form player Christian Pulisic will again make the starting line-up and try and get three in three.

Predicted XI: Kepa; Azpilicueta, Rudiger, Christensen, Alonso: Kante, Barkley, Kovacic; Pulisic, Willian, Abraham.