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Chelsea predicted XI at Palace: Lampard goes with strength once again

By Olaoluwa Nwobodo

and Chelsea's English midfielder Mason Mount vies with Chelsea's English midfielder Ross Barkley West Ham United's English midfielder Declan Rice during the English Premier League football match between West Ham United and Chelsea at The London Stadium, in east London on July 1, 2020. (Photo by Adam Davy / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by ADAM DAVY/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
and Chelsea's English midfielder Mason Mount vies with Chelsea's English midfielder Ross Barkley West Ham United's English midfielder Declan Rice during the English Premier League football match between West Ham United and Chelsea at The London Stadium, in east London on July 1, 2020. (Photo by Adam Davy / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by ADAM DAVY/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND – JULY 01: Declan Rice of West Ham United and Christian Pulisic of Chelsea battle for the ball during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Chelsea FC at London Stadium on July 01, 2020 in London, England. Football Stadiums around Europe remain empty due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in all fixtures being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – JULY 01: Declan Rice of West Ham United and Christian Pulisic of Chelsea battle for the ball during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Chelsea FC at London Stadium on July 01, 2020 in London, England. Football Stadiums around Europe remain empty due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in all fixtures being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) /

Willian (No. 10) Right winger, Brazil

Willian has been Chelsea’s most important and most consistent player this season. He stretches the pitch, holds up play and takes penalties with a bit of Pirlo-ish composure. The Brazilian does all of this while tracking back and putting pressure on the opposition’s attackers and defenders alike. Take Willian out of this Chelsea team, and they’re sitting comfortably mid-table. Although some fans don’t want to admit it, he’s been crucial to Lampard’s squad’s success this year.

Olivier Giroud (No. 18) Striker, France

Giroud executed what can only be called a Giroud-esque finish against Watford for the opener. Unfortunately, he didn’t get good enough service from the wings this time out, so Chelsea couldn’t fully use his other-worldly heading advantage. Service can be improved upon though and it’s important to put the Frenchman back out there for that reason. Tammy Abraham had a poor game against West Ham and was non-existant again Watford. It seems like when Abraham is not scoring, he brings nothing else to the side. The same cannot be said about Giroud, which is why he’s looking like Lampard’s first choice striker at the moment.

Christian Pulisic (No. 22) Left winger, United States

Pulisic was a problem for Watford, as he has been with many other teams during this stretch. The Hornets couldn’t handle him, they were sick of the sight of him and they couldn’t wait for him to be subbed off. Pulisic’s speed on the ball, mixed with his dribbling ability and forward thinking style of play means that Chelsea cannot do anything of value without Pulisic’s involvement. If this is how well his first season is going, the Premier League should be scared of how good he’s about to become.

Next. State of the Blue-nion: Chelsea wins FAWSL title; Havertz rumors continue. dark

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