The Four Big Tactical Decisions Lampard Will Need To Make Ahead Of The Game Against United

A top-four finish is likely to be manager Frank Lampard’s priority but he will be mindful of how important a first trophy can be for his tenure in charge at Chelsea.

For that reason alone, he will be desperate to come away with a victory from Wembley when the Blues face Manchester United in the FA Cup semi-final on Sunday.

Lampard will have a number of difficult tactical decisions to make ahead of the game, with the Red Devils having shown how devastating they can be in attack since the restart.

Press the next page as we look at four important talking points going into this weekend’s clash.

3 or 4 At The Back?

Considering the threat that Manchester United’s front three poses, Lampard may consider a back three, instead of a back four, due to the obvious vulnerabilities in Chelsea’s backline.

It would also solve another problem. Cesar Azpilcueta was excellent against Norwich and rather than having to move him across to left-back in place of Marcos Alonso (who cannot be trusted to play in back four against United), he could be utilised as the right centre-back with Reece James as the wingback.

Jorginho and the midfield issue

The Italian international is almost guaranteed to start with N’Golo Kante still struggling with a hamstring problem while Billy Gilmour is out for the season. However, he was very poor against Norwich, and Lampard will need to decide how he gets the best out of him.

Jorginho really needs someone to play alongside him, and Mateo Kovacic would be my preference, with Mason Mount playing ahead of them (if Lampard opts for a 4-3-3).

A gamble on Hudson-Odoi?

Willian has been excellent since the restart but the Brazilian did not perform well in the games against Sheffield United and Norwich. With Callum Hudson-Odoi now fit and chomping at the bit to start, could Lampard take a risk and start him at Wembley?

The winger’s favoured position is on the left, and you would be hesitant about moving the in-form Christian Pulisic, so it may be the case that the England international starts on the right instead.

Abraham or Giroud?

Lampard has been rotating the two frontmen recently but you would have to think that Giroud’s experience will give him the advantage going into an FA Cup semi-final.

If the Frenchman targets Victor Lindelof, he will get a lot of joy in the air, and he is brimming with confidence after three goals in his last four games.

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