Chelsea predicted XI: 3-4-3 returns for the FA Cup semifinal

Chelsea faces off against Manchester United at Wembley. With tired legs, it may be time for Frank Lampard to throw the 3-4-3 curve ball at United.

Frank Lampard’s men have bowed to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men three times out of the three times they’ve faced them this season. The one Manchester United fixture that Lampard wants to win is this one. It is only reasonable to expect Lampard to do something different if he hopes to get a different result. The 3-4-3 formation has come good for Chelsea this season at crucial times. Who will get the chance to get the chance to stage the perfect revenge?

Kepa Arrizabalaga, 1, Goalkeeper, Spain

There are question marks over his performances this season but he’s still the best goalkeeper Lampard has available to him. Also, one can hope that he pulls his heroic spirit from the semifinal of the Europa League last season. Fans like that Arrizabalaga.

Cesar Azpilicueta, 28, Right center back, Spain

Azpilicueta just needs to be put on the pitch and the defense would be better. He has a lot of experience playing as a center back and he would fit right into the formation. Chelsea needs as many good, stubborn tacklers as possible on defensive duties. Expect the captain to start again.

Kurt Zouma, 5, Center back, France

Zouma had a bad game against Sheffield United, but kept a clean sheet in the following match. Zouma has also shown he is an important ingredient for Chelsea’s clean sheets this season, as well as being the best central defender on the club’s roster.

Antonio Rudiger, 2, Center back, Germany

Rudiger had a hand in the Norwich City clean sheet. Yes, Chelsea should’ve been more convincing with the score line, but without the clean sheet they don’t win that game. The defense did its job. His height and aerial dominance would be useful in set piece situations as well.

Reece James, 24, Right wing back, England

James has improved his game. He still makes poor crosses into the box that benefit no one at all but he also makes some good crosses as well. He still needs to work on his defensive awareness and try not to be too casual in every situation, but being on the pitch is the best and only way to improve that side of his game, so expect him to start.

Jorginho, 5, Center midfield, Italy

Jorginho made many cross field passes that often found an unmarked Marcos Alonso. If he can keep that up and play less five than yarders, Chelsea would benefit more from Jorginho’s presence on the field. This maybe one last chance to convince Lampard that he can play a role here (other than being a defensive liability) next season.

Mateo Kovacic, 17, Center midfield, Croatia

Kovacic would be perfect alongside N’Golo Kante, who is unfortunately out injured. His ability to get out of tight spaces and his usefulness in linking the defense and attack would come in handy. In fact, it’d be essential. Most importantly, perhaps, is his tendency to face the play.

Marcos Alonso, 3, Left wing back, Spain

Alonso was Chelsea’s best play maker on the pitch against Norwich City, he was too excited when he was subbed off but that might be because Lampard was saving him for this Manchester United game. His effortlessly flicked pass to Christian Pulisic leading up to the Olivier Giroud goal underlines the technical qualities he’s not given credit for.

Willian, 10, Right wing, Brazil

It seems some people are calling for Callum Hudson-Odoi to start over Willian. That’s not a conversation that anyone is ready to have. Ever. Willian has been Chelsea’s best player throughout this season. Chance creation comes through him most of the time. He has the second most goal involvements this season for Chelsea.

Olivier Giroud, 18, Striker, France

Old is gold. That’s it, there’s nothing more to say.

Christian Pulisic, 22, Left winger, United States

While Pulisic was not expected to replace Eden Hazard, he is like Hazard except more direct. Pulisic’s willingness to run at defenses and just generally be a problem for them has benefited Chelsea massively. Chelsea’s chance creation is multiplied with Pulisic on the pitch.

Will Lampard mix it up to get past Manchester United? Let us know in the comments and on Twitter!