Chelsea at Everton predicted XI: First time foes of Frank Lampard

May is upon us. As the Premier League calendar flips into the final month, every point becomes vital to each club. Chelsea knows about this all too well as it’s found itself in the midst of a top four  race on the final day of the season in each of the last two years. The Blues are looking to avoid putting themselves in a similar position during this campaign. They’ve managed to maintain a healthy gap between themselves and their top four competitors throughout the entirety of the season, but as the campaign comes to a close, can they finish the job?

Chelsea is in topsy-turvy form right now, dropping points recently against Arsenal, Brentford and Manchester United. However, that run of fixtures has also included wins over Real Madrid and West Ham. It is a familiar face in the form of Frank Lampard that stands in the Blues’ way this week as Thomas Tuchel’s men travel to Goodison Park. The West Londoners were held to a draw at home against a struggling Everton back in December, which seems like ages ago. Lampard’s side now faces the very real prospect of relegation and it’ll give the Blues everything it has this weekend. Tuchel needs to prepare his men for a scrap and emphasize the importance of taking all three points from this latest business trip.

Here is who The Pride of London believes makes the starting XI against the Toffees:

Edouard Mendy (No. 16) Goalkeeper, Senegal

This one doesn’t really need much explanation . . . does it? Edouard Mendy is the Blues’ No. 1 shot stopper when he’s fit—plain and simple. He’s struggled recently, but I am a firm believer that the defense in front of him has been pretty atrocious, as well. The funny thing about goalkeepers is that the only way to get them out of a “funk” (if you want to call it that in Mendy’s case) is to keep playing them. Tuchel has shown he understands this principle.

Cesar Azpilicueta (No. 28) Right centerback, Spain

You can count the games remaining on the fixture list on one hand, and that’s a terrifying prospect in some cases. Players like Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger are surely going to be missed by the supporters, but one thing not being talked about enough is this could be the last few matches we see Cesar Azpilicueta put on a royal blue kit. The skipper recently took charge of his 200th game for the Blues; here’s to hoping there’s still a future involving the beloved Spaniard.

Thiago Silva (No. 6) Centerback, Brazil

It wouldn’t be surprising to see Thiago Silva get the starting nod in every game for the remainder of the season. The Brazilian has done another wonderful job of maintaining his health throughout the campaign, and Chelsea’s managerial staff deserves some kudos for its treatment of the veteran, as well. This has put one of the most important players in the team in a great position to see out the season in the heart of defense.

Antonio Rudiger (No. 2) Left centerback, Germany

Antonio Rudiger—alongside Silva—has been one of the most important figures in the Blues’ side since Tuchel took over as manager in January 2021. If rumors are to be believed, the German is set to leave the club in the summer for Real Madrid, but his commitment right now remains to his current team. Rudiger is undoubtedly going to give it his all in the next few games as he tries to help Chelsea achieve its goal, Champions League qualification. He may also have some added motivation when he sees his old boss, who frequently excluded him from the starting XI, standing on the opposing touchline on Sunday afternoon.