Chelsea’s Predicted XI To Face Fulham: We Take A Look At Lampard’s Options

Content Editor

3 years ago

Categories: Chelsea News, Galleries, Match Previews

Chelsea manager Frank Lampard will be hoping that the 4-0 win over Morecambe in the FA Cup last weekend will act as a reset after some disappointing results in the league.

There were certainly some positive things to come out of the game, with both Timo Werner and Kai Havertz getting on the scoresheet, as well as excellent performances from Hakim Ziyech and Callum Hudson-Odoi.

However, it is very different playing against a League Two outfit compared to a Premier League side, and they face a Fulham team this weekend in confident mood after getting a well-deserved point against Tottenham during the week. Chelsea will, though, have had a few more days rest than Scott Parker’s men heading into Saturday’s encounter.

So who will start at Craven Cottage? Press the next page as we predict the starting eleven for the game.

GK – Edouard Mendy

After having very little to do against Morecambe, Kepa certainly didn’t do enough on his 100th appearance for the Blues to convince Lampard that he deserves to be back in the starting lineup for league games.

Mendy is almost guaranteed to return in goal for the Fulham game, with the Senegalese international hoping to keep his first clean sheet since the win over West Ham last month.

RB – Reece James

The fullback hasn’t played since Boxing Day due to a hamstring problem, but he is now back in training and should be available to start this weekend.

Although club captain Cesar Azplicueta has done a solid enough job in his absence, James can offer a lot more in the final third of the pitch.

CB – Kurt Zouma

The Frenchman wasn’t rested for the FA Cup tie against Morecambe, which shows how highly valued he is by Lampard. The defender has been in excellent form this season and he will likely start once again on Saturday.

Clean sheets have been less common recently and Zouma will be looking to help tighten things up at the back when the Blues face Fulham.

CB – Thiago Silva

The Brazilian was given the day off for the Morecambe game so he should be fresh and raring to go for the match at Craven Cottage this weekend.

Silva will also likely take the captain’s armband once again, with Azpilicueta expected to be benched, and Jorginho unlikely to start the match.

LB – Ben Chilwell

Although Emerson Palmieri put in a decent display versus Morecambe, it’s clear that Chelsea lack that extra attacking threat which Chilwell can provide the team.

If the England international is partnered with Hudson-Odoi or Pulisic, you should see him making overlapping runs while the winger cuts inside onto their stronger foot.

CM – Mason Mount

Lampard selects him in almost every game for a reason. No matter who the opponent is, Mount puts in the work, and his goal last weekend will give his confidence a boost.

The 22-year-old’s passing range is also underestimated and if they are to break down what is likely to be a stubborn Fulham defence, he will play a key role.

DM – Billy Gilmour

With N’Golo Kante suspended for the match tomorrow, Lampard will have to choose between Jorginho and Gilmour to play as the deepest lying midfielder.

The Scotland Under 21 international does appear to be above his teammate in the pecking order currently so he is likely to start against the Cottagers this weekend.

CM – Kai Havertz

The German’s goal versus Morecambe would have done him a world of good and, while it wasn’t a perfect performance, it should be enough for him to keep his place in the eleven.

Lampard has called for patience with Havertz and hopefully, his faith will be repaid in upcoming games over the next few weeks.

RW – Hakim Ziyech

The Moroccan international looked a lot sharper last weekend, and his creativity will be vital if Chelsea are to get a result on Saturday.

Ziyech’s absence was keenly felt when he was out injured and it will be hoped his return to full fitness will coincide with an upturn in form.

CF – Timo Werner

Lampard has a difficult decision to make, with Werner having scored against Morecambe. Tammy Abraham and Olivier Giroud are also in good form too but, after ending his goal drought, the German international may keep his place.

Chelsea supporters will be hoping the 24-year-old can build on that momentum and get on the scoresheet for the second successive match at Craven Cottage.

LW – Callum Hudson-Odoi

This is a tricky decision, with Christian Pulisic having looked like the Blues’ most lively player in recent league games, but Hudson-Odoi is in red-hot form and merits another start.

Chelsea have a wealth of options up front and it is great to see that the competition is bringing out the best in the England international.