Chelsea interim manager Frank Lampard faces at least three major team selection decisions for the Blues' decisive clash against Real Madrid in the Champions League this evening. For his first game back in temporary charge, Lampard opted to deploy a back four with Kalidou Koulibaly and Wesley Fofana as the centre-back pairing.
Thiago Silva, who has missed the last six weeks with a knee injury, could come straight back into the starting XI given his importance to the Blues, despite only taking in part one training session. There is also a major debate over whether or not Lampard should deploy a back five in Spain.
One of Chelsea's best defensive performances came in the Champions League last-16 second leg against Borussia Dortmund. In that game, Reece James, Fofana, Koulibaly, Marc Cucurella and Ben Chilwell were deployed as the back three and wing-backs with the Blues winning 2-0.
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Lampard now must decide whether it would be worth it to risk Silva. And if he does, what formation will best suit his abilities? James and Chilwell are far more involved as buccaneering wing-backs but their opportunities to get forward may be limited given Madrid's ability to control possession, which could impact Lampard's decision.
Ahead of the game, Silva was one of four Chelsea players to a pre-match graphic that usually hints at a involvement in the team. Raheem Sterling, the Blues' top scorer in the competition, also posted to his Instagram story with the first leg just hours away from kicking off.
The interesting Instagram posts arrive in regard to Fofana and Koulibaly with the weekend centre-back duo posting pre-match promotional material. If Lampard chooses to play both it would likely mean Cucurella misses out or Silva is only fit enough for a place on the bench.
Nonetheless, whichever defensive decision the 44-year-old makes there will be a valid reason. Playing Koulibaly and Fofana would develop continuity, while Cucurella's best display since signing in the summer coming in this competition. However, the experience of Silva could prove incredibly valuable to Chelsea in a high-stakes European clash.
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