Giroud and Hudson-Odoi to start? – Chelsea predicted XI vs Manchester United

Chelsea boss Frank Lampard will be happy with his first season in charge to date.

In the Premier League the Blues sit fourth in the table having won their last four matches and are top of their Champions League group after three games.

Wednesday sees Lampard’s side in EFL Cup action as they face Manchester United in a last-16 tie at Stamford Bridge.

But will the Chelsea legend shuffle with his pack after seeing his team beat Burnley 4-2 at the weekend?

Lampard has made an impressive start at Chelsea.

Here’s what we expect the starting XI will be to take on the Red Devils….

GK: Willy Caballero’s only appearance this season came in the 7-1 demolition of Grimsby in the last round so he should again replace Kepa Arrizabalaga in goal.

RB: Reece James to step in for Cesar Azpilicueta. The young Englishman impressed in the last round, where he scored his first Chelsea goal, and has since made a further four appearances.

CB: Kurt Zouma at 25 is Lampard’s most experienced centre-back plus he played and scored in the last round against Grimsby.

CB: Marc Guehi started alongside Zouma in the previous round so he should get another go against more illustrious opponents on Wednesday.

LB: Emerson is Lampard’s back-up left-back behind Marcos Alonso so expect him to get some minutes under his belt.

MF: Jorginho didn’t play in the last round but against Manchester United we feel Lampard may want his trusty holding midfielder to help give more balance.

MF: Billy Gilmour, 18, performed well in the last round and is expected to get another chance at Stamford Bridge.

MF: Ross Barkley scored Chelsea’s opening goal against Grimsby and should again start in this round after failing to break into the starting XI on a regular basis due to the form of Mason Mount.

Ross Barkley will be one of many hoping to impress Lampard on Wednesday.

FW: Pedro has been in and out of the side this season due to the form of others but he started and scored in the last round so will be hoping this competition is a platform to force him back into the regular starting XI.

FW: Callum Hudson-Odoi dropped out for hat-trick hero Christian Pulisic against Burnley so expect him to be restored as he aims to score for the second round in a row.

ST: Olivier Giroud wants more game time and we expect he’ll get it here ahead of fellow back-up striker Michy Batshuayi.

Chelsea predicted XI: Caballero; James, Zouma, Guehi, Emerson; Jorginho, Barkley, Gilmour; Hudson-Odoi, Pedro; Giroud.