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

Everton's English goalkeeper Jordan Pickford saves at the feet of Chelsea's US midfielder Christian Pulisic (L) during the English Premier League football match between Chelsea and Everton at Stamford Bridge in London on December 16, 2021. - RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images) /

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LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 16: Ruben Loftus-Cheek of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Everton at Stamford Bridge on December 16, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Craig Mercer/MB Media/Getty Images) /

Reece James (No. 24) Right wingback, England

Reece James was the Man of the Match last time out against Manchester United. He put on a dazzling display at both ends of the pitch, as supporters have come to expect from the England international. James is quickly developing into one of the best fullbacks on the planet—not just the Premier League—and that’s led to some massive clubs becoming interested. However, he’s Chelsea through and through, a future captain or vice-captain in west London for sure.

Everyone has their own opinion of Lampard’s tenure as the Blues’ manager, but one thing he undeniably did right was giving James the chance to break into the first team. It was obvious when Super Frank was sacked that he and James shared a close relationship, they’ll meet again this weekend at Goodison Park for the first time.

Jorginho (No. 5) Central midfielder, Italy

Similar to many of his teammates, Jorginho’s future is uncertain as he heads into the last calendar year of his current contract. However, the Italian maestro gives his team the stability it requires in midfield in the present, and that’s all that matters in the end. Jorginho’s role may be unique and misunderstood by many, but it’s incredibly important to how Tuchel wants to play, especially in a midfield pivot.

He’s the more in-form and fit of the options in the middle of the park right now given Mateo Kovacic’s injury and N’Golo Kante’s need for rest. Therefore, he starts and helps control the pace of play against an Everton side that’ll be desperate to nick even a point off the visitors.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek (No. 12) Central midfielder, England

As briefly touched on in the last description, Chelsea is down a midfielder right now as Kovacic remains sidelined with an injury he picked up in the FA Cup semifinal. It was Ruben Loftus-Cheek who stepped in for the Croatian and scored the Blues’ opening goal in that contest. He’s been the preferred fourth-choice midfielder of Tuchel as of late with the gaffer even giving him game time in other positions. Chelsea struggled to penetrate Everton’s solid defensive shape at Stamford Bridge in December, so it’ll be up to the Englishman to break through with his darting runs.

Marcos Alonso (No. 3) Left wingback, Spain

Marcos Alonso has been in superb form recently, so he gets the nod at his preferred left wingback spot. He—much like Azpilicueta and Christensen—is now being pursued by Barcelona. Thus, this may be one of the last times we see the Spaniard sporting the Blues’ badge.

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