Chelsea predicted XI vs. West Ham: Should Chelsea stick to the 4-3-3?

Chelsea has lost two games back-to-back for the first time this season with the same formation, but who does Lampard select to get the Blues back on track?

Frank Lampard has come under a lot of pressure for his Chelsea team selection lately, as well as his formation and tactics. Lampard’s system of selecting by merit has also raised a lot of questions with the jury still out on Olivier Giroud’s effectiveness, despite his goal scoring form. Kai Havertz‘s continuous inclusion in the starting XI—despite his consistently poor performances over the past few weeks—is baffling, as well.

Lampard is in a difficult position with key injuries, so it may not be as clear cut a situation as it seems from the outside. That said, Chelsea has lost two games back-to-back for the first time this season with practically the same line-up bar Christian Pulisic. Is it time for a change of formation due to Hakim Ziyech’s absence? Lampard probably doesn’t think so, as the Blues have been creating enough chances to give themselves an opportunity to win the game. The play has been sloppy and players seem to have forgotten how to carry out basic football tasks. The manager needs a win though, and Chelsea’s 17-game unbeaten run began when he switched to a 4-3-3, so expect him to go with what he knows works.

Here’s who Lampard trusts to get the Blues back to winning ways against West Ham:

Edouard Mendy (No. 16) Goalkeeper, Senegal

Edouard Mendy’s consecutive clean sheet run has been punctured and all that shows is that he’s also human, not the superman we saw him as. He made a judgement error against Everton and went ahead to concede two goals against Wolves, but it’s still five goals conceded in 15 games. This recent form doesn’t change anything as to who Chelsea’s starting keeper is though. Mendy’s still a superb shot stopper and remains alert to get on the end of crosses. His distribution has also been very good; it’s time for another clean sheet run.

Cesar Azpilicueta (No. 28) Right back, Spain

Cesar Azpilicueta has given his best when he’s been called upon this season. His leadership and communication—whenever he plays—is superb. Azpilicueta’s stubbornness and intelligence in 1v1 tackles solidifies Chelsea’s back line. The Spaniard’s offensive contributions often go unnoticed because of the “defensive fullback” tag, but his willingness to run down the right flank to creative width is impressive. He created much needed width for the Blues when inserted into the line-up.

Kurt Zouma (No. 15) Centerback, France

Kurt Zouma is Chelsea’s best centerback and he has been in the line-up for the Blues’ best results, as well as a handful of not so good results. While none of the centerbacks can be directly blamed for the poor form, they cannot be absolved of all blame either. Regardless, Zouma will always get the nod when fit.

Thiago Silva (No. 6) Centerback, Brazil

The centerbacks’ distribution has been good in the past two games. The defensive cohesion of the defenders has not been poor, but it’s in the little moments that goals have been scored. Thiago Silva has cleared all doubts with his performances so far, the past two games not withstanding. Silva has been a good addition to this side, no debate about that, as he has also developed a good partnership with Zouma.

Ben Chilwell (No. 21) Left back, England

Ben Chilwell has been superb this season, he should probably be making more purposeful crosses though. He made a lot of low crosses, which was a bit awkward seeing as he was supposed to be crossing to a 6-foot-4 heading expert. Defensively, he has been alert and he hasn’t been getting caught out of his position often.