Chelsea had their measuring stick day against Bayern Munich and came up short. Whatever XI Frank Lampard chooses, the only way from rock bottom is up.
After defeating Tottenham, Chelsea fans at least felt better about Bayern Munich. Then the second half happened and it is safe to say they did not just return to Earth but that they also hit rock bottom. The team will be feeling that too, especially after Frank Lampard rightly called them out on the game. Unfortunately, injuries leave his choices constrained and Liverpool looms past Bournemouth. This will be a tricky one but the only way to go is up.
Willy Caballero, 13, Goalkeeper, Argentina
At this point, it would take a triumphant, amazing return by Kepa Arrizabalaga to extend his time as Chelsea’s number one. The simple fact that Caballero was chosen to start over him in the Champions League match all but guarantees Arrizabalaga is closer to being replaced than return. Caballero is not an ideal alternative, but at least he seems to offer some command to the back.
Cesar Azpilicueta, 28, Left back, Spain
Azpilicueta is nearly ideal for the wide center back in a back three, but the times when he struggles in the role are some of his worst games in a Chelsea shirt. For whatever reason, his positioning will suddenly get out of whack and for a player who lives off his positioning that is crippling. It does not happen often enough to warrant him being dropped, but that lack of consistency as a center back is unnerving at times.
Andreas Christensen, 4, Center back, Denmark
If the back three suits any defender, it is Christensen. It allows him to use his passing range and his ability to cover while shielding him from having to contain or go blood and thunder in defense. Given how much talent he clearly has and how much 3-4-3 suits many of the players worth keeping around for the future, Christensen might end up having more good days than bad when all is said and done.
Fikayo Tomori, 29, Center back, England
Antonio Rudiger has had some good games this season and is clearly played in part because of his threat on set pieces. But if meritocracy exists in the squad, it would be best for him to sit out against Bournemouth and for Tomori to finally return from his very odd exile. Tomori has not played since Hull City on 25 January and it is long past time for him to return.