The Chelsea Lineup That Should Start Against Burnley
Chelsea travel to Turf Moor on Saturday afternoon looking to build momentum when they take on Burnley in the Premier League.
The Blues were held to a 0-0 draw with Manchester United at Old Trafford last weekend, but bounced back with a 4-0 thrashing of FC Krasnodar in the Champions League during midweek.
With several players returning from injury and in contention to play, who should manager Frank Lampard select to start? Here, 90min spins through what his selection should be.
1. Goalkeeper and Defenders
Edouard Mendy (GK): Frank Lampard has confirmed that summer signing Mendy is his number one goalkeeper and another clean sheet in midweek will have done him no harm.
Cesar Azpilicueta (RB): Having originally lost his place to Reece James at the start of the season, the club captain has wrestled his spot back - and three clean sheets in a row mean Lampard will likely look to minimise changes.
Thiago Silva (CB): The leader of the pack defensively, Silva missed the midweek win but has been declared fit to play. Was impenetrable against Manchester United last week so should come back into the side with no questions asked.
Kurt Zouma (CB): Zouma has established himself as Lampard's other first choice central defender, and looks more assured alongside the experienced Silva. Still prone to errors, the Frenchman knows he must continue to deliver.
Ben Chilwell (LB): A summer signing from Leicester, Chilwell has done well since coming into the side. He is comfortably the first choice in this position ahead of Marcos Alonso and will almost certainly start.
2. Midfielders
Ngolo Kante (CM): The French international's energy and ball-winning ability means he is a must start in such an attacking system under Lampard. He's been in good form too, so shouldn't leave his side.
Mateo Kovacic (CM): Kovacic has shared the role alongside Kante with Jorginho this season, and although the Italian has started most of Chelsea's Premier League games, a shake up good be in the offing.
Kai Havertz (CAM): Chelsea's club-record signing has had an indifferent start to the campaign but when played in his preferred central role he has shone. Was played there again in midweek and got an assist so he will hope to build on that in this game.
3. Forwards
Hakim Ziyech (RW): The Moroccan has had an injury hit season so far but his first start of the season in midweek saw him get on the scoresheet. He looked sharp, creative and ready to make an impact in the Premier League so he should be given the chance to do so.
Mason Mount (LW): Callum Hudson-Odoi impressed in midweek, while Christian Pulisic's return from injury gathered pace with a goal against Krasnodar. But Mount remains a favourite of Lampard's, and rotation is key in the early stages of the campaign.
Timo Werner (ST): The best out-and-out striker in the squad has more than earned his spot up top. Another goal in midweek took him up to four for the campaign and after opening his Premier League tally against Southampton, the German will be confident of more.
