Chelsea: Who will be Lampard’s hero against Aston Villa?

Chelsea returns back to action in a matter of days as the Blues travel to Villa Park. Who will be the squad’s hero in the first match back?

After months of anticipation, speculation and expectation, the Premier League blockbuster is finally returning to our screens after a lengthy absence. Admittedly, the graphics may feel like a B-movie due to lack of fans and pre-recorded crowd noise, but few will mind as long as the action on the field does not fail to disappoint.

Chelsea can finally pick up from its lockdown prequel against Aston Villa on Sunday, having won both their practice fixtures against Reading and Queens Park Rangers before the live performances get under way. Reading too deep into the script of these training matches would be a mistake. Players are continuing to realign themselves with the competitive nature of any eleven-side game and preparing to take on the heavy weights of the top flight. The likelihood of the Blues smashing seven past any Premier League opponent is pretty slim, but it would certainly give Frank Lampard a five-star rating on his return to the side lines.

Looking ahead to the weekend, Lampard has to familiarise himself again as director of his troop of actors and deciding who has shone throughout rehearsals. He will be boosted by the potential of a full complement of his squad after several injury doubts were given the all clear in the past few days. The real question now is: who will be Chelsea’s heroes as the Blues face off against the Villains at Villa Park?

If the previous encounter between the pair is anything to go by—a 2-1 win for Chelsea at Stamford Bridge—Willian looks set to be protagonist in this particular clash. He constantly caused riot down the right channel, becoming the nemesis of Matt Targett and more often than not coming out on top. Tom Heaton’s hands were thrice stung by the Brazilian’s laser bream shots, the last of which an expert save to tip his wicked free-kick onto the post. Not to be completely foiled, Willian would turn provider instead. By locating Tammy Abraham’s chest, the striker was able to drop the ball into the path of Mason Mount, who in turn smashed home an expert volley that would seal three points for the Blues.

Willian’s trusty sidekick on the night was Reece James, who provided extra fire power from right back position in what was only his third full start in the league. From his accurate cross, Abraham was able to direct his header into the back of the net and send Stamford Bridge into celebration. However, he was also cast the villain in the tie. A ball into the Blues’ box caused confusion among their ranks, allowing Trezeguet to slot in ahead of James and bundle home the equaliser for the visitors.

One of the few occasions N’Golo Kante has managed to pull on his mask and cape, he did so with real protection and purpose. The Frenchman made three interceptions, blocked one shot and made four key passes on the night, demonstrating his worth at both ends of the field. Injury has truly been his kryptonite this season. Yet he, alongside James, has been recharged and ready for selection if called upon by Lampard.

Taking the overriding picture into account, its evident the clash will be won by Chelsea outmuscling and outscoring Dean Smith’s side. Clean sheets have been a rarity for the Blues with their longest string being two matches. However, their last two victories have wielded an undamaged net, 2-0 and 4-0 against Liverpool and Everton respectively.

Here is where Kepa Arrizabalaga needs to step up again and prove he is worthy of the No. 1 jersey. With great power comes great responsibility. Unfortunately, the Spaniard has looked shaky as the protector of the Chelsea net being under pressure from his hefty price tag, and the realisation Lampard isn’t afraid to replace him with the older statesmen, Willy Caballero.

Hopefully Kepa’s confidence should have been boosted by the consecutive clean sheets, especially in the FA Cup scalp over the Reds, pulling off a string of instinct saves in a commanding display that carried through into the next tie. Being out of the spotlight for awhile has eased the demands on the 25-year-old for now, but the burden will be piled back on if he lets his standards drop.

One figure that Chelsea supporters will be desperate to take flight on the field is Ruben Loftus-Cheek. Out for over a year, the midfield maestro has unfinished business after rupturing his Achilles Tendon last May. His ability to break from deep has been missed—made up for in sorts by Mateo Kovacic, who has arguably been Chelsea’s player of the season thus far—perhaps the pair could form a deadly duo in the middle of the park.

With a plethora of prowess now at his disposable, it is up to Lampard to select those who will lead the Blues into battle and ensure their campaign restart has a happy beginning.