Premier League giants Chelsea picked up what was arguably their most important league win of the season on Thursday after beating Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City side by a 2-1 scoreline. Not only did the victory help the London club regain their five-point cushion over the fourth spot, but it also ended the Citizens’ mathematic hope of securing the league title. With Liverpool now having been officially announced as champions, a lot of the attention will be directed towards what promises to be an exciting race for Champions League football.
While that is the case, the Blues’ next outing is the FA Cup quarterfinal against Brendan Rodgers’ Leicester City side. Not only would a victory for Lampard’s men leave a psychological message in the Leicester players’ heads, but it would also improve the West London club’s chances of winning a trophy at the end of the season. A majority of Chelsea fans entered this league campaign with minimal expectations. Still, given the form they’ve been displaying over recent weeks, the Blues’ faithful will be expecting their side to come out on top this Sunday.
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The Blues’ injury list currently consists of just three players, with Frank Lampard already possessing multiple readymade alternatives for all of the names on the list. Fikayo Tomori has seemingly suffered a muscle problem and isn’t expected to make it back in time for this match. Callum Hudson-Odoi’s ankle issue has kept him out of the last couple of fixtures, and although he might be ready in time for the weekend, it’s unlikely that the gaffer will risk playing him immediately. Marcos Van Ginkel, the midfielder who recently extended his Chelsea stay by a year, is also ruled out of contention for this match.
Here Is The Predicted 4-3-3 Chelsea Lineup Vs Leicester City:
Predicted 4-3-3 Chelsea Lineup Vs Leicester City
Formation: 4-3-3
Defence
Kepa Arrizabalaga has started in between the sticks for Chelsea over the last two fixtures, and it’s safe to say that he hasn’t looked overly secure. Despite showing a couple of nervy moments against City, it’s unlikely that Lampard will drop him at this stage in the competition. In front of him, expect the same back two that did the job against Pep Guardiola’s men.
Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen are without a doubt the Blues’ two strongest centre-half options, and given all the good attacking play that Rodgers’ men have produced this season, altering the defence-line could be asking for trouble. In the wide positions, expect Reece James to make his return to the first-team, with skipper Cesar Azpilicueta being switched over the left side.
Midfield
There are very few in the Chelsea fan-base that would’ve predicted the Blues’ lineup against City correctly. The inclusions of Ross Barkley and Mason Mount were indeed curve-balls, but things are expected to return to normal on the weekend. Italian midfielder Jorginho is yet to play any part in either of the fixtures since the London club’s return from lockdown, and he is hence set to start as the midfield anchor. Alongside him, expect to see Mateo Kovacic and Ruben Loftus-Cheek being deployed in the more advanced roles.
Attack
Christian Pulisic’s impact in the game against City was nothing short of sensational, and dropping him from the team wouldn’t necessarily be the smartest decision by Lampard. To that effect, expect the American to start the game on the left side, with Willian dropping down to the bench. The Brazilian’s position on the opposite flank will instead be filled by Spanish veteran Pedro, who recently agreed on a deal that would allow him to see out the season at Stamford Bridge. Tammy Abraham should be given his first start after lockdown on the weekend as well.
