Chelsea have had a good start to the Premier League season, having won against Brighton with a scoreline of 3-1. The Blues of Chelsea played well, but have loads to improve as they will take time to gel with so many new signings. The Blues of Chelsea have shown some great signs though, as Timo Werner looks well settled to rattle the Premier League.
The likes of Jorginho and Reece James looked lively last weekend against Brighton as both the players got a goal and an assist each. But it seems Kai Havertz will take some time to settle with the pace of the Premier League after his lacklustre debut. But Lampard will be hoping to get the best from all his players next weekend, as Chelsea face last season’s champions, Liverpool.
The last time these two sides met towards the back end of last season, Chelsea gave Liverpool as a tough fight. The pace of Pulisic was too much to handle for the Liverpool defence last time around, and there is a feeling that he might return to playing football against Liverpool this weekend.
Let us now have a look at how Chelsea might lineup against Liverpool this weekend.
THE 4-2-3-1
This is very similar to how Chelsea lined up in their opening game against Brighton, but with Kovacic in place of Jorginho. The Croatian midfielder has served his suspension and is set to start against Liverpool in the weekend. Chelsea will look to use the pace of Werner and Mount as much as possible, especially through the left-flank against Alexander-Arnold.
Pulisic might also enter in the latter stages of the match and create an impact with his pace against the weary legs of Liverpool players. Kante and the centre-backs have to be at their best to give any chance to Chelsea to seal all the three points from Liverpool. Arrizabalaga has been poor in the last games he has played for the Blues and has a pint o prove and will look to get back to his old best this weekend.
THE 4-3-3
Although very unlikely, Lampard might use the 4-3-3 formation to attack Liverpool from the onset with probably Werner and Havertz from the flanks with Tammy Abraham playing from the centre. This won’t allow the Liverpool full-backs to bomb forward and put in crosses into the Chelsea box. Both, Werner and Havertz and very quick and thus it would be a very good idea to place two pacy and skilful wingers against Liverpool.
On the other hand, Chelsea will themselves have to be careful against the likes of Salah and Mane through the wings. Alonso, especially, will have to be very careful against Salah as the former lacks pace and defensive ability, and the Egyptian is in red-hot form.
THE 3-4-3
Just like all other big matches in his Chelsea managerial career so far, Lampard might be tempted to use the 3-4-3 formation again against Liverpool. This formation would mean Chelsea will have extra protection in the back and can also attack in numbers when needed. But this would also mean that the wing-backs will have to be at their best throughout the game.
This is a great formation for the transition, as Chelsea can use their pace on the counter when Liverpool are higher up the pitch. Chelsea’s left flank with Mount and Alonso will pressurize Alexander-Arnold, who is important for Liverpool’s attacks but is also defensively vulnerable. Pulisic might also be introduced later in the match in place of Mount, and his pace and trickery have already caused a lot of trouble to Liverpool, as seen last season.
