With Chelsea having just one more friendly before Frank Lampard’s first competitive game in charge against Manchester United, it’s now time for the manager to decide who will be in his first team selection.
Asked after the 5-3 win against Red Bull Salzburg whether he had settled on a starting eleven, Lampard replied that he is edging closer towards knowing his preferred line up:
“I’m getting towards it which is important for me. I’ve got a lot of competition in the squad so pre-season has been about the balance of minutes, the level of training for the whole squad.”
Looking at the eleven that started the Salzburg game, I think we were given a sneak preview of who the Blues boss will pick against United. The 4-2-3-1 is a formation that looks to be Lampard’s favoured system, even though he seems perfectly happy to change it up.
So who will start the game for Chelsea at Old Trafford on August 11th? Here is my eleven for the game:
Goalkeeper
Kepa Arrizabalaga is the undisputed number one, and he will start the United game in goal, barring injuries.
Right-Back
Cesar Azpilicueta may have some stiff competition when Reece James returns to fitness but, for now, the Spaniard is comfortably favourite ahead of Davide Zappacosta.
Centre-Backs
This is the area where there is the most uncertainty. The backline did not look particularly secure against Salzburg with both David Luiz and Kurt Zouma looking shaky at times.
The Frenchman’s performances overall in pre-season, though, should help him get the nod over Andreas Christensen. Lampard will also want Luiz’s experience at Old Trafford with Antonio Rudiger out injured.
Left-Back
Emerson Palmieri looks to be favourite ahead of Marcos Alonso to start against United. He’s far more secure defensively than the Spaniard and while he may contribute less in the final third, he still makes good runs forward.
Central Midfield
In the absence of N’Golo Kante, Mateo Kovacic and Jorginho are guaranteed to start in central midfield, with neither Tiemoue Bakayoko nor Danny Drinkwater likely to get a look-in under Lampard.
Attacking Midfield
Ross Barkley’s sensational form in pre-season means he’s likely to edge out Mason Mount for the first game of the season, but he will have to stay consistent as he will have a battle on his hands to keep the number 10 role.
Wingers
Without Callum Hudson-Odoi to call upon through injury and Willian unlikely to be 100% fit for the United fixture, Christian Pulisic and Pedro will be given the nod to start in wide areas. The American’s double against Salzburg will give him extra confidence heading into the new season.
Striker
This one is a hard call to make but despite Michy Batshuayi and Olivier Giroud not doing anything wrong in pre-season, my hunch is Lampard will opt for Tammy Abraham.
The Chelsea manager is not afraid to make big calls, and he has shown at Derby, he will select young players with potential. At 21, Abraham is not exactly a teenager anymore but he has been waiting for his chance to impress at Chelsea for a long time. He could get his opportunity against United.
