Chelsea have been fantastic this season, both in the Premier League and the Champions League under Frank Lampard. Next up for the Blues in the Champions League are minnows Krasnodar who will be playing for pride, as Chelsea have already qualified for the Round of 16. Frank Lampard is very likely to use this as an opportunity to rest some of his important stars and give the fringe players a chance to shine.
Frank Lampard has a lot of depth in his attack and defence but his midfield doesn’t have a great array of options. But it will be expected of Lampard to make a host of changes as the Chelsea players have played a lot of football lately. Most of the team might be made of fringe players and players who don’t a chance on a regular basis.
Let us now have a look at how Frank Lampard might set his Chelsea side up against Krasnodar in the Champions League.
THE 4-3-3
One of the most shocking additions to the starting lineup might be the inclusion of Kepa Arrizabalaga to the Chelsea playing XI. The Spanish international hasn’t played a game in the Chelsea shirt since Mendy was signed this summer as he was terrible in his last few months, costing Chelsea a lot of points. Lampard seems to have lost all faith in Arrizabalaga but it is very likely for him to play the game against Krasnodar.
Olivier Giroud is again very likely to start for the Blues as he has done very well in the recent weeks. The likes of Hudson-Odoi, Jorginho and Rudiger are also likely to start because they haven’t played a lot of football in the Premier League in the last few months. Though they haven’t played for quite a while, all the above-mentioned players have done well for the club when they have been given a chance.
With such an array of talent in the squad, Lampard will be confident about his Chelsea, even with his fringe players.
THE 4-2-3-1
The 4-2-3-1 is another formation that Lampard has in his locker with the likes of Jorginho and Kante in the Chelsea squad. This formation is also suitable for the likes of Marcos Alonso and Emerson as both the full-backs are very good going forward but lack the defensive awareness needed for the left-back spot at Chelsea. With the double pivot, it gives the full-backs a license to bomb forward and provide the side with the width needed going forward, enabling the wingers to come inside.
Callum Hudson-Odoi has again been devoid of playing time at Chelsea but it is very likely of him to start for the game against Krasnodar. The English winger will be eager to impress Lampard and must seize the opportunity if he gets one. Either of Havertz or Ziyech will be expected to play on the other flank though to have some experience in the side.
THE 3-4-3
Lampard has used the 3-4-3 in tight games thus it is unlikely for him to use it against Krasnodar having qualified for the Round of 16. But it is always a chance for Chelsea to play with such a system as they have great wing-backs. The Londoners will be expected to win the game with ease even if they go with a team that hasn’t featured a lot recently.
