Chelsea’s predicted XI vs Barnsley: 4-2-3-1 looking to gain fitness

Chelsea faces Barnsley as Frank Lampard looks for players to gain fitness as well as to introduce some new faces to proceedings.

Frank Lampard kicks off another cup run welcoming Barnsley to Stamford Bridge. It is a chance for Frank Lampard to give some Chelsea players a well needed rest. Lampard is lucky that it is a fixture that doesn’t require his best men. It is also a chance for some players to build their match fitness. Here’s who we think Lampard selects to see Barnsley off.

Willy Caballero, Keeper, 13, Argentina

It’s a midweek fixture and Lampard will most likely rotate the lineup. It’s a cup game against a lower tier opponent and Lampard naturally isn’t too worried about it. Kepa Arrizabalaga made yet another error leading to goal, this time one that was fully within his control. It makes you wonder if Caballero starts even in non-cup games.

Cezar Azpilicueta, Right back, 28, Spain

Azpilicueta is returning from an injury and has already made an appearance this season. He didn’t make an appearance against Liverpool and that could be Lampard saving him to continue his match fitness training against a less intense opponent. Azpilicueta has a big role to play in Chelsea’s season, don’t write him off just yet.

Fikayo Tomori, Centerback, 14, England

Tomori came on for Kai Havertz in Chelsea’s loss against Liverpool and gave a convincing performance. Questions that can’t quite be answered have been raised over Tomori’s omission in the matchday squad for months. Tomori might be on the way back into the lineup, however it is difficult to see Tomori starting league games when other centerbacks are fit, he might still need a loan to get as much regular game time as he can for his development.

Thiago Silva, Centerback, 6, Brazil

This is the perfect game for Silva to make his Chelsea debut. It is expected to be a comfortable game for Chelsea. It may not accurately depict the intensity of English football but it would be good for Silva’s match fitness. Many fans are curious to see Silva play for Chelsea, it may not be long now.

Emerson, Left back, 33, Italy

Fans eventually came to terms with the fact that Emerson is not a very good fullback. He may be fast, but speed is useless when you’re out of position and you don’t use it. Chelsea was close to agreeing a deal with Inter Milan. However, they refused to lower their asking price and the Italian club pulled out of the deal. Lampard’s hope is that Emerson impresses, not his gaffer, but his suitors. Emerson is not likely to get much game time anymore because once Ben Chilwell is fit, it would be a competition between Chilwell and Marcos Alonso.

Jorginho, Central midfield, 5, Italy

Lampard doesn’t have a lot of options to select in this position. Jorginho, while he has also had moments on the pitch he’d rather forget, has played considerably well in the first few games. He just needs to keep it simple, not be one dimensional and Chelsea should be fine. Barnsley is likely to stay compact, so Chelsea would need to overload the flanks and Jorginho’s cross-field passes would benefit the team greatly.

Mateo Kovacic, Central midfield, 17, Croatia

Kovacic showed again why he continues to start for Chelsea when he’s fit. He’s able to create space on his own with his signature driving runs through the center of midfield. He makes the midfield tick. Kovacic’s inclusion in the lineup should guarantee that Chelsea control the midfield.

Callum Hudson-Odoi, Right wing, 20, England

Lampard needs to rest Kai Havertz and Mason Mount in the midweek game, and there aren’t many options available for selection for this game in that position. Expect Hudson-Odoi to be given yet another chance to impress Lampard and give him a selection headache.

Kai Havertz, Attacking midfielder, 29, Germany

Yes,  Havertz has played two games already this season, but this match will go a long way in building his match fitness. A match like this would help Havertz to build his confidence as well since the pressure is considerably less than league matches. It is also important to play the German international as the free roaming player behind Tammy Abraham. He hasn’t been effective on the wings so far, though that could be attributed to his general lack of match sharpness.

Ross Barkley, Left wing, 8, England

It’s the perfect game for Barkley. He would have creative freedom to roam, and he excels best in those circumstances, much like the role he plays for England. Barkley has had some good cup and league performances for Chelsea in recent times, in fact his form was affected by the abrupt stop of football last season. Barkley is poised to have a huge impact on the Wednesday game.

Tammy Abraham, Striker, 9, England

Abraham has not started a game yet since the season started. Games like this are perfect for Werner to be rested. Abraham, of course, would be looking to force his way into the starting lineup against West Bromwich Albion and Barnsley is the perfect opportunity to do that.

Who do you predict will be in the starting XI? Let us know in the comments and on Twitter!