Chelsea predicted XI vs Norwich City: N’Golo Kante back at midfield fulcrum

Frank Lampard has yet to win a competitive game as Chelsea’s new manager. On Saturday against Norwich City, he’ll have the advantage of having been in the Carrow Road dug-out before as boss whilst with Derby.

Frank Lampard will be hoping the Blues give him a more comfortable afternoon than his Rams side did last December. That game ended with Derby running out winners 4-3, with two of their goals coming in the last five minutes. However, with his current back four still struggling to gel, the scoreline could easily be as uncomfortable.

Both Fikayo Tomori and Mason Mount were amongst the scorers that day, and Mount will be looking to get on the scoresheet again following his goal against Leicester last time out.

Goalkeeper: Kepa Arrizabalaga, 1, Spain

There wasn’t a great deal that Arrizabalaga could have done to prevent Wilfred N’didi powering a header past him last weekend, other than removing the gloves and turning defender. The ball ought to have been cleared before it was anywhere near Arrizabalaga’s goal, but his defence were caught napping. Other than that and a brief ball-juggling scare early on, it was a routine game for the Spaniard.

Right back: Cesar Azpilicueta, 28, Spain

As stand-in, I could almost leave Travis’s summary of Azpilicueta as it was written last week, rather than start afresh. Azpilicueta makes the team because Reece James will not be fit for another couple of weeks and Davide Zappacosta is now at AS Roma.

Azpilicueta’s not finished yet, though. Even when James is fit, he’ll have to work hard to remove the Spaniard from the team. This idea that someone who bossed the Championship with Wigan is going to slot right into the Premier League may be a tad fanciful.

Center back: Andreas Christensen, 4, Denmark

Christensen benefitted from David Luiz’s spat with Antonio Conte during the Italian’s second year in charge. Luiz’s departure has signalled a shift from the old guard to the young guns. If the Dane is to take advantage of that he needs to add strength to his height.

With Antonio Rudiger on the verge of returning Lampard will soon be able to pick his center backs on merit. Rudiger was Chelsea’s best defender last season, so it’s difficult to see him missing out too often this term on his return. Christensen may find himself with less game time if he’s unable to train on.

Center back: Kurt Zouma, 15, France

Let’s face it: Kurt Zouma hasn’t had the best of starts on his return to Stamford Bridge. However, he has a presence that Christensen lacks and the muscle to back it up. Long term, he may suit Chelsea better than Christensen and has certainly picked up plenty of Premier League guile and experience during his loan periods away.

With the transfer embargo, Chelsea still have players and perhaps formations that have to be tried and tested. In a season of transition, that’s to be expected.

Chelsea’s defence as a whole during the last year has missed the protection afforded by N’Golo Kante. Even if Frank Lampard doesn’t see the Frenchman in the protective role long term, he may have to step into the role as the season progresses if things don’t tighten up at the back.

Left back: Emerson, 33, Italy

Emerson has grown in confidence as this season has progressed and looks like he is cementing his place in the starting XI (cue Marcos Alonso starting). He certainly is quicker than Alonso, but the Spaniard’s dead-ball threat always gives him a chance.

Emerson has looked to get further forward over the first three games and is developing his own attacking threat.

The possibility of Ashley Cole returning to Chelsea in some kind of coaching role following his retirement from playing can only be of benefit to both left-backs. For now, though, it’s Emerson’s to lose.