At the back of a boring yet important draw against Manchester United in the weekend, Chelsea have made the long trip to Russia. Frank Lampard’s men face Krasnodar in the group stage of the Champions League tomorrow, hoping to come out victorious. Chelsea will be expected to get their first victory of the Champions League season, but the Russian club will try to make it as difficult as possible for the Londoners.
Frank Lampard will set up an offensive side against minnow Krasnodar but will be wary of counter-attacks. Chelsea have an almost fully fit squad and it will be expected from Lampard to chop and change his side. Several key men are expected to be rested as this has been a tough week for Chelsea due to games coming thick and fast.
Let us now have a look at how Frank Lampard might set his Chelsea side up against Krasnodar.
THE 4-2-3-1
Kepa Arrizabalaga is probably out from the game with an injury, thus Edouard Mendy is likely to be the No.1 between the sticks for Chelsea. Veteran defender Thiago Silva might be rested for this game after the Brazilian was outstanding against a strong United side. Christensen might get some precious game-time for the Londoners as he will look to replace Zouma from the side.
Ben Chilwell has been amongst the injuries lately, thus Lampard might feel it will be wise to rest him. Instead of Chilwell, Alonso is the favourite to take up the left-back spot and might enjoy the space given to him by the opposition. Mateo Kovacic has been left out of the starting XI recently and the Croatian must be eager to start a game to prove his mettle.
Olivier Giroud might get some precious minutes on the clock for Chelsea as the French international will look to impress Lampard. On the wings, Hudson-Odoi and Ziyech are likely to play as both the wingers haven’t had much game-time and the conditions are perfect to unleash both the wingers.
THE 4-3-3
Frank Lampard has used the 4-3-3 many times as he looks to attack from the flanks, with inverted wingers. This system will perfectly suit the likes of Ziyech and Hudson-Odoi, who like to come inside while attacking. This will also give license to the full-backs to attack all guns blazing, while Krasnodar will be expected to sit in narrow and defend deep.
The midfield will be an issue though for Lampard, as the Chelsea side doesn’t have a lot of depth in the midfield department. Kovacic is almost a surety to start the game tomorrow as he will once again have his chance to impress the manager with his majestic dribbling and distribution of the ball. In such a system, Giroud will be more effective than Tammy Abraham, as the former is one of the best in the world to link-up play.
THE 3-4-3
Though unlikely, Chelsea might use the 3-4-3 formation again, but this time it will be used in an attacking system. The wing-backs will be given complete license to bomb forward and attack the box with the striker playing very centrally. The wingers will be allowed to join the striker centrally as well to get more men into the box and create more chances.
The midfield has to be wary though, as Krasnodar will be waiting to counter once a Chelsea attack breaks down.
