Last season’s Europa League champions Chelsea take on last season’s Copa del Rey champions Valencia at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night.
Chelsea is coming into this game with some confidence after thrashing Wolves 5-2 last Saturday with Tammy Abraham scoring a hattrick.
Lampard might want to rest Abraham particularly with a big game against Liverpool coming up on Sunday but Abraham will want to continue his scoring run of seven goals in three games. Giroud will most likely get the nod if Abraham is rested.
Lampard will likely revert back to a 4-2-3-1 formation after playing with a 3-5-2 formation against Wolves, Pedro who has missed the last three games through injury is likely to be recalled back in the side. Christian Pulisic who started on the bench against Wolves is also likely to start over Willian.
Mason Mount who has had a dream start to his Premier League career will most likely be rested, which will give Ross Barkley an opportunity in the side. The England international has been in and out of the side since making his move to Chelsea from Everton and will want to impress his manager against Valencia.
N’golo Kante whose start to the season has been disrupted by injury is a doubt on Tuesday which will mean that Jorginho and Kovacic will continue at the base of the midfield.
In defense, Antonio Rudiger is another doubt after picking up a groin injury in the second half against Wolves. Tomori will keep his place in the side after an impressive performance against Wolves. Lampard will have to decide between Zouma and Christensen for the other center back spot. Alonso will start at left-back with Emerson still out injured and Azpilicueta will keep his right-back spot with Reece James still not match fit.
Another positive for Chelsea fans might be the return of Callum Hudon-Odoi in the 18 man squad. The 18-year-old played for the reserve team last Friday and will be eased into action by Lampard.
Chelsea’s opponents Valencia are currently in turmoil after sacking popular manager Marcelino and were then thrashed 5-2 by Barcelona last weekend.
Chelsea Predicted Line-Up
(4-2-3-1): Arrizabalaga, Azpilicueta, Tomori, Christensen, Alonso, Jorginho, Kovacic, Pulisic, Barkley, Pedro, Giroud
