The Chelsea Lineup that Should Start Against Sevilla
Chelsea will dust themselves off after last weekend's London derby and make the trip to Spain on Wednesday to face Sevilla in a Champions League match which will see the winner take the driving seat in Group E.
If you're reading this, you've most likely just woken up from the deep slumber induced by Chelsea's goalless draw with Spurs, a game where the Blues dominated large periods of the game, but seemed to lack any cutting edge going forward.
Frank Lampard is a man who demands a lot from his players and with Sunday's performance, as well as a weekend trip to Leeds, at the back of his mind, expect a certain amount of chopping and changing as Chelsea trying to return to their explosive best.
Wondering what the great man has up his sleeve with several world-class players (as Jose Mourinho would no doubt point out) milling around on the bench at the weekend? Worry no more! Here is the side which Lampard should put out at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan.
1. Goalkeeper & Defenders
Edouard Mendy (GK) - Chelsea might actually have found the world's first completely perfect goalkeeper - there's barely been a hint of an error from the Senegal international since he signed from Rennes.
Reece James (RB) - It's quite something how the moment Trent Alexander-Arnold gets a bit of an injury layoff, another incredibly gifted right foot crops up out of nowhere. Was causing all sorts of problems against Spurs.
Thiago Silva (CB) - Chelsea somehow managed to sign one of the best defenders in of the last decade on a free transfer. Life just isn't fair sometimes.
Antonio Rudiger (CB) - He's a much less frequent sight in the Chelsea lineup since the resurgence of Kurt Zouma and the signing of Silva, but the Frenchman will likely be given a rest for Rudiger to come into the side.
Ben Chilwell (LB) - The man that people are (apparently?) calling 'Chilly B' has been incredibly solid in the Chelsea back four, and looks like he's been playing there for years. Lucas Ocampos will be a nice challenge for him on the night.
2. Midfielders
N'Golo Kante (CM) - The World Cup winner will most likely still feel a bit dizzy by Wednesday after Tanguy Ndombele waltzed around him one time too many at the weekend, but expected to continue a reasonable run of early season starts.
Kai Havertz (CAM) - We can't be too far away from seeing what this young fella can really do, and a relatively pressure-free outing against Sevilla might be just the ticket.
Mason Mount (CM) - Chelsea's Swiss Army knife excelled against Spurs in what is probably his 70th game of the season, providing something a little different with his fantastic shooting from range. The odyssey will continue for one of Lampard's favourites in Spain.
3. Forwards
Callum Hudson-Odoi (RW) - While he was squeezed out of the squad against Spurs to accomodate Pulisic, Hudson-Odoi has really relished the opportunity to get some Champions League minutes this season, and has two goals in the competition so far.
Tammy Abraham (ST) - If Lampard could turn back time, would he have started Olivier Giroud in the derby ahead of Abraham? Whatever the answer, the England international was substituted early against the Lilywhites and will likely feature in this match.
Christian Pulisic (LW) - He found Premier League football about as challenging as a kickabout at the park last season, and he's finally back in the lineup. This is an exciting one for Chelsea fans, and could further change the complexion of their season.
