After a disappointing 2-0 defeat against Leicester City in the Premier League, Frank Lampard’s Chelsea host Championship side Luton Town in the FA Cup. Lampard is under severe scrutiny due to his side’s poor form in the league which makes this a must-win fixture to boost his players’ confidence. With growing speculation over Lampard’s job, the results in these home games might influence the Chelsea board’s decision on his future.
Olivier Giroud and N’golo Kante are the only doubts due to injuries for this fixture against the minnows. Frank Lampard will look to rotate his side for this game and give valuable minutes to players like Andreas Christensen, Emerson Palmieri, Kepa Arrizabalaga and Billy Gilmour who have been out of the first-team picture for most of the season.
Let’s now look how Frank Lampard might set his Chelsea side up against Luton Town in the fourth round of the FA Cup.
THE 4-3-3
The 4-3-3 has been Lampard’s most deployed system this season, no matter the competition Chelsea play in. Kepa is likely to replace the struggling Edouard Mendy in goal as he has done in FA Cup games in the recent past. We can expect an entirely changed back four against significantly weaker opposition as Christensen who was out injured for some time now may be given a chance alongside Zouma after Rudiger and Thiago Silva’s dismal performance against the Foxes.
Azpilicueta and Emerson might be brought in place of the regular duo of Reece James and Ben Chilwell as the full-backs in the side. The backline will need to avoid complacency and be wary of Luton’s top scorer James Collins. Billy Gilmour may be seen in the holding midfielder’s role where he will need to take control of the ball along with in form Mason Mount and struggling record signing Kai Havertz.
Timo Werner is very likely to start up top with Hakim Ziyech and Hudson-Odoi on either of the flanks. With their opposition expected to sit deep and defend Chelsea are expected to dominate possession and keep a constant goal threat.
THE 4-2-3-1
The 4-2-3-1 is the alternate system that Lampard might use in the absence of the energetic N’Golo Kante. In this system, Kai Havertz should be used as a No.10 to link up with fellow German Timo Werner in the final third to cause trouble to the Luton Town backline. Both the Germans scored in the last round and fans will be looking forward to seeing them at their best this time.
Havertz especially hasn’t been able to live up to his price tag and this might be the perfect opportunity to showcase his attacking abilities. Werner will definitely look to at least find the net with his Premier League goal drought still ongoing. Gilmour and Jorginho will be expected to run the midfield and will be the ones who will also be burdened to protect the defence.
THE 3-4-3
The only other formation Lampard has used at Chelsea is the 3-4-3, which is very unlikely looking at the size of the opposition, Luton Town. On paper, hosts Chelsea look clear favourites to win this game, but Luton Town would be looking to frustrate their struggling opponents with resilient defending and hurt them on the counter.
