Chelsea predicted XI vs. Liverpool: Lampard reverts back to 4-3-3

Chelsea’s opening match against Brighton was tougher than expected, so how will the Blues line up to face the English champions?

Frank Lampard’s soldiers got away with a less than acceptable performance against Brighton in the opening game of the season. The Blues would have to put on a much better showing to get any result from the Liverpool match this weekend. The 4-3-3 has been effective against Liverpool, so expect Lampard to go with that again. Here’s who we think Lampard trusts to go give Chelsea a fighting chance:

Kepa Arrizabalaga (No. 1) Goalkeeper, Spain

It is getting increasingly difficult to defend Arrizabalaga, but he is likely to get the nod again. Yes, he made an error on his movement in the goal against Brighton, but overall he did not have a horrible game. He did completely misjudge the flight of a corner, but it was understandable, all things considered. It will be interesting to see how Lampard approaches the goalkeeper situation when a new goalie arrives. Will he immediately throw him into the starting line-up or will he wait until Arrizabalaga gives him an indisputable reason to be excluded from the team sheet?

Reece James (No. 24) Right back, England

James had an excellent outing against Brighton. He made forward runs, he was effective defensively and he even got into positions to block shots. To top it off, he got a fortunate assist from a corner and scored a magnificent screamer. He’s yet to give Lampard a reason to even think about dropping him, so he starts.

Andreas Christensen (No. 4) Centerback, Denmark

Christensen was switched on throughout the season’s first match. His positioning was superb and his tackling was often perfectly-timed. He played a big part in snuffing out attacks. More performances like that from Christensen and he’ll be a staple in Chelsea’s starting XI. Then again we’ve said that before, so the question is, can the Danish international keep it up?

Kurt Zouma (No. 15) Centerback, France

Zouma was solid as a rock, per usual. He had impressive synergy with Christensen, as well. He was as effective in the air as he was on the ground—something the Blues have been missing recently. Zouma showed once again why he’s Chelsea’s best available centerback. He topped off a fine performance with a fortunate goal, sealing Chelsea’s victory.

Marcos Alonso (No. 3) Left back, Spain

Alonso was not very effective going forward. That was because he barely went forward and spent all his time defending. He made no key passes and completed just 25 percent of his attempted long balls. He, however, led the team in clearances (5) and tackles (5). This would be very useful against Liverpool. If Alonso can once again focus on defending against the champions, Chelsea would have something to build on until Ben Chilwell returns. The Blues would also be able to attack the space vacated by Trent Alexander-Arnold.

N’Golo Kante (No. 7) Defensive midfielder, France

Kante led the team in interceptions (6) against the Seagulls. The Frenchman was sharp, quick and effective throughout; his distribution was commendable. He took a lot of the defensive load off the defenders. Therefore, it is in Chelsea’s best interest that he stays fit for the rest of the season.

Mateo Kovacic (No. 17) Central midfielder, Croatia

Kovacic was Chelsea’s Player of the Year during the 2019/20 season. He was sent off in the FA Cup final and has served his ban, but he’ll now be ready to slot into the XI. His distribution, dribbling and work rate are essential to how Chelsea plays. He excellently links the defense with the attack and he’s not afraid to get his hands dirty. Whenever fully fit, he starts; expect him to this match.

Kai Havertz (No. 29) Central midfielder, Germany

Havertz played as the right winger against Brighton and was near ineffective. Though he had played that role for Bayer Leverkusen and he excelled, he should be playing as a central midfielder who arrives late into the box or a free roaming player behind the striker. For what is needed on Sunday, Havertz should be in the midfield. He doesn’t seem to be lacking in the work rate department, whether that’s a trait or just a desire to impress the gaffer on the first day, we’ll see. Havertz is yet to hit his stride and once he does, he’ll be a problem for opponents.

Callum Hudson-Odoi (No. 20) Right winger, England

Hudson-Odoi made an appearance against Brighton, but didn’t really change the game. He couldn’t be expected to change the game in 10 minutes though. Lampard opted to bench Hudson-Odoi on a day when he was the only fit winger, which is strange because Hudson-Odoi would have been more effective than Havertz on the right wing.

Timo Werner (No. 11) Striker, Germany

Werner had a satisfactory game against Brighton, but he didn’t have much service from his more creative teammates, unfortunately. He was constantly coming back to midfield to pick up the ball because he was often isolated and Chelsea was pinned back for long stretches of the game. His willingness to come into the midfield to make plays, while generally not a good thing, will come in handy against Liverpool where all players need to work for 90 minutes to match the Reds’ intensity.

Mason Mount (No. 19) Left winger, England

Mount once again showed the stuff he’s made of. He didn’t have a flashy game, but he was effective. He made four tackles and kept working off the ball to deny the opponents space against Brighton. Mount will continue to start for the Blues because they simply can’t do without what he provides.

What would your predicted XI look like? Let us know in the comments or on Twitter!