CHELSEA host Manchester Metropolis on Sunday having received simply certainly one of their final six video games in all competitions.
The Blues started December within the title dialog, however their poor kind has seen them slip to sixth – beneath the likes of Aston Villa.
Frank Lampard needs to launch run for Chelsea – beginning towards Man MetropolisCredit score: Getty Pictures – Getty
How Chelsea might line up towards Man Metropolis
Frank Lampard’s aspect might get again on observe, nevertheless, with a morale-boosting win over Man Metropolis at Stamford Bridge.
This fixture final season noticed the Blues assist Liverpool clinch the title, with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Pep Guardiola’s stars.
At present degree on factors with underachieving Metropolis, Chelsea might desperately do with a win this time round to halt their aspect.
Edouard Mendy will begin between the sticks, regardless of a couple of shaky indicators of late.
Captain Cesar Azpilicueta will once more deputise at right-back with Lampard, 42, confirming a hamstring challenge suffered by first-choice Reece James.
He mentioned: “Reece James is out. Reece has acquired a small hamstring downside.”
Ben Chilwell must be advantageous to take his place at left-back in the meantime – whereas the rested Kurt Zouma and Thiago Silva will resume their locations on the coronary heart of the Blues’ again 4 after nights off towards Villa on Monday.
Lampard has a clear invoice of well being in central midfield, giving him some choice conundrums.
Another method Lampard might arrange
Cesar Azpilicueta will once more step in for the injured Reece JamesCredit score: Getty Pictures – Getty
N’Golo Kante is likeliest to begin, with Jorginho dropping out, and could possibly be flanked by Mateo Kovacic and Mason Mount.
This leaves £70million summer time purchase Kai Havertz in reserve, in addition to underused academy starlet Billy Gilmour.
Lampard possesses a mess of choices for his entrance three, and has seen his embarrassment of riches additional strengthened by the return to health of Hakim Ziyech.
On the Moroccan he mentioned: “He’s match to coach. He’s skilled for the final two or three days. I’ll make the choice as as to if he is able to begin.”
Maybe Callum Hudson-Odoi deserves the nod on the best wing, nevertheless, having been a uncommon shiny spark in Chelsea’s final two video games.
Tammy Abraham will doubtless get the nod over Olivier Giroud, whereas Christian Pulisic ought to begin over the misfiring Timo Werner on the left.
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Hakim Ziyech has returned to Blues coachingCredit score: Getty Pictures – Getty
