Chelsea predicted XI vs. Leeds: Lampard goes with 4-3-3 at full strength

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LONDON, ENGLAND – JULY 19: Mason Mount of Chelsea looks on during the FA Cup Semi Final match between Manchester United and Chelsea at Wembley Stadium on July 19, 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 Alastair Grant/Pool via Getty Images) /

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

Kante played well against Sevilla, coming off the bench to deliver a good cross to Giroud, who headed it home with ease. There’s a never ending debate about where Kante’s “actual position” is and in all honesty, it doesn’t matter because he improves any side that he plays in, regardless of where he plays. Kante leads the team in interceptions per game, with Zouma being the next in line among starters. Kante’s presence in midfield gives Chelsea a major advantage and against a pacey team like Leeds, the Blues will need the Frenchman’s motor in midfield.

Mason Mount (No. 19) Central midfielder, England

Mount has come under a lot of heat in recent games, for no real reason. He will continue to start for Chelsea and Lampard when he’s fit. Amongst players that have started up to four league games for Chelsea this season, Mount ranks second in shot-creating actions, behind only Ziyech. He also ranks second for big chances created and key passes per game. It is simply ignorant to imply that Mount doesn’t contribute anything other than pressing. This doesn’t even include what he does defensively. Chelsea is a much more solid and fluid side with Mount in the team.

Kai Havertz (No. 29) Central midfielder, Germany

Havertz was efficient in the game against Sevilla, dictating the tempo and making the right decision almost every time. He kept play moving at crucial times. He was really smooth, especially when Chelsea was transitioning from defense to attack. He topped off an excellent performance on the night with a beautiful run and a perfectly weighted pass for Giroud to finish for the opener. He has been out in recent weeks, but his return only mean good things for the Blues, especially in a game such as this where that bit of extra quality will be glaring.

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