Frank Lampard’s Chelsea side will be hoping to secure progress into the 4th round of the Carabao Cup when they welcome Barnsley to Stamford Bridge this midweek. The massive gulf in class between the two sides in question doesn’t need to be highlighted, as the London team will undoubtedly be lofty favourites to run out winners. At the end of the day, what it could come down to is how many goals Chelsea actually end up winning by. Despite their reputation though, a defeat in this fixture could be embarrassing for a club as big as Chelsea.
The Blues are coming into this fixture on the back of a frustrating 2-0 defeat against reigning Premier League champions Liverpool. Two quick-fire goals from Sadio Mane in the second half proved to be the difference between the two sides after Andreas Christensen was issued a red card just before half-time for bringing the Senegalese speedster down. Although Chelsea had a few chances to find the net themselves, including a Jorginho penalty, they were unable to register a goal on the night and ended up handing Liverpool all three points.
Team News
Although Lampard has been criticised quite a bit over recent days, it must be taken into consideration that a majority of his summer signings are yet to be ready for action. The introduction of Hakim Ziyech into the side will definitely add some much-needed creativity, while Thiago Silva and Ben Chilwell will add to their defensive integrity. With Danish centre-half Christensen now suspended as well, Lampard could be forced to make alternate arrangements. Christian Pulisic is another name who is unlikely to be ready in time for this Carabao Cup clash.
Here Is The Predicted 4-3-3 Chelsea Lineup Vs Barnsley:
Predicted 4-3-3 Chelsea Lineup Vs Barnsley
Defence
Following Kepa Arrizabalaga’s howler in goal last weekend, Argentine veteran Willy Caballero is likely to make his first start of the new season. The Spanish keeper was in the eleven for both their league matches so far, but his error against Liverpool might’ve come as the last straw. In front of him as well, expect Lampard to ring in the changes. Kurt Zouma has started both of the Blues’ league outings and could be handed a rest. Antonio Rudiger, who is yet to play a single minute so far this season, is likely to come into the side, alongside Fikayo Tomori. Cesar Azpilicueta and Emerson Palmieri should start in the full-back slots.
Midfield
Jorginho’s missed penalty against Liverpool which proved to be a costly one for Chelsea, as it would’ve handed them a lifeline to try and come back into the match. Despite his perfect record until then, Alisson saved his spot-kick with ease. The Italian is expected to continue in the heart of midfield though, operating as the lone modified pivot. What this means is that Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Ross Barkley could both come into the side, deployed in slightly more advanced roles than Jorginho.
Attack
Havertz started the weekend fixture against Liverpool alongside Timo Werner, and there were some good signs to start with. When they dropped to ten men though, Havertz was the man that Lampard decided to sacrifice. The German could return to the eleven once again for this fixture, with English starlet Callum Hudson-Odoi expected to operate on the opposite side. French World Cup winner Olivier Giroud is yet to get in on the action so far this season, which means that the former Arsenal man is expected to make a start as well.
