Chelsea play Wolves after the international break, here we have a look at how Chelsea should line up if all players are fit.
Goalkeeper
Kepa Arrizabalaga
Kepa Arrizabalaga has not had a good start to the season statistically, conceding nine goals in four premier league games but the Spanish goalkeeper is a reliable presence in goal and is brilliant with the ball at his feet, the keeper made some good saves at the end of last season and is comfortable Chelsea’s best goalkeeper.
Right Back
Reece James
The right-back position is up for grabs after Chelsea captain Azpilicueta has had a poor start to the season, opposition teams have often targeted Chelsea’s right-hand side with success this season. Reece James has recovered from injury and is an option. The England youth right-back is quick and strong and is better than Azpilicueta going forward but will need to improve defensively.
Right Centre Back
Antonio Rudiger
The German International is Chelsea’s best defender and will slot right back in after recovering from an injury he suffered last season. Lampard will be banking on Rudiger to solve Chelsea’s defensive troubles this season. The 26-year-old is a great athlete and improved considerably with the ball at his feet last season playing under Maurizio Sarri
Left Centre Back
Andreas Christensen
The defender was dropped for the draw against Sheffield United but the academy graduate remains a better option than both Zouma and Tomori. The Denmark international is a good passer of the ball and reads the game well, Rudiger’s presence next to him should make the defender better.
Left Back
Emerson
The left-back spot was up for grabs last season with both Alonso and Emerson vying to get game time but now Emerson has truly won the battle, the Italy international has had a good start to the season and now even looks set to win a new contract
Center Midfield
Mateo Kovacic
The Croatian International just shades out Jorginho because of what he brings defensively, Kovacic does not get too many assists and goals but is a good dribbler and has the pace to recover and get back to position when Chelsea lose the ball.
N’Golo Kante
Chelsea’s only world-class player at the moment and Kante will slot back right in after missing the last two Premier League games through injury. Chelsea has been exposed defensively this season and opposition teams have exposed Chelsea’s frailties. Kante provides more protection to the defense and Lampard will be glad to have him back
Attacking midfield
Mason Mount
Mason Mount has had a dream start to his Premier League career, scoring two goals in four Premier League games. Mount has shades of Frank Lampard in him with the way he gets into the box and the way he scores his goals
Right Winger
Pedro
Callum Hudson-Odoi might be a better option long term but is just recovering from a serious injury, Pedro looked in good form against Liverpool before picking up an injury during the warm-up at Norwich, the winger gives Chelsea a goal threat and always works hard when pressing opposition defenders
Left Winger
Christian Pulisic
Chelsea’s last signing has had a decent start to his Chelsea career but has not found the net so far. Pulisic has assisted two goals this season but Lampard will want him to score more goals, The American has been compared with Eden Hazard but will need to add more productivity in the final third if he is going to really replace Hazard
Striker
Tammy Abraham
Tammy Abraham is sure to start against Wolves after scoring four goals in his last two games. Abraham looks like a natural finisher and works hard for the team but will need to score regularly against tougher opposition. Abraham has only scored against newly-promoted teams so far and will have a lot to prove against Wolves.
