Chelsea return to Premier League action on Wednesday night against Brentford as they look to earn three points for the first time since the international break. The Blues have not featured domestically for more than a week after their match against Manchester United was moved and they will hope to banish any memories of defeat to Brighton.
The Blues' most recent outing was improved but resulted in defeat to Real Madrid and Lampard is sure to make some adjustments from that night. The 44 year-old caretaker manager has been unafraid to make dramatic changes to his side between competitions, and made use of four central midfielders against Los Blancos.
While it has led to two defeats, Lampard has made use of a back four in his two Premier League outings thus far and may wish to do so again in a bid to make use of his attacking options. Players who have not been afforded much opportunity under Lampard's stewardship have finally had an opportunity to familiarise their play and to discover what the caretaker manager wants.
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Kepa Arrizabalga will likely start in goal again and while Thiago Silva has been in and out of the side to manage his fitness, it would be surprise to see him continue after a week without a game. He could partner either Wesley Fofana or Benoit Badiashile with both set to be prime options for the future, with the former's aggressive work with the ball may see him with the edge for the start against the Bees.
The Blues may once again opt to start Trevoh Chalobah, who featured as a right back against Brighton and had the stern task of facing off gainst Kaoru Mitoma. Reece James looked to be carrying an issue against Real Madrid, and has yet to appear in training images.
The England international's contributions may simply be being managed to ensure his availability but no risks will be taken. Ben Chilwell will likely return to the side given his attacking output in comparison to Marc Cucurrella - the former Leicester defender netted in Chelsea's last win over Brentford.
Lampard will of course want to end the season on a strong note for his own reputation as much as seek to prepare the Blues for next term. As a result there is unlikely to be any surprise with regard to Enzo Fernandez and N'Golo Kante, while Conor Gallagher's propsensity for pressing may see him retain his place after two good outings.
Carney Chukwuemeka and Noni Madueke will be hoping to earn their first minutes but may be made to earn them from the bench. With a week to build his fitness Mason Mount could be in line for a first start since February, while Mykhailo Mudryk showed hints of his ability in his last two outings. The duo will most likely play a supporting role to Kai Havertz unless Lampard wants to rely upont he youthful enthusiasm of David Datro Fofana.
Possible XI: Kepa, Chalobah , Fofana, Silva, Chilwell, Fernandez , Gallagher, Kante, Mount, Fofana, Mudryk.
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