Chelsea boss Frank Lampard could ring the changes for the Blues' Premier League clash with Wolves.
Lampard says Chelsea return was 'easy decision'
Frank Lampard promised his Chelsea stars a “clean slate” after replacing Graham Potter until the end of the season. Several Blues stars had fallen out of favour under the former head coach, with Lampard hinting at a big refresh of the team following his surprise reappointment as interim manager.
Here is how Chelsea could line up against Wolves if Lampard gives opportunities to players who struggled for game time under Potter.
Goalkeeper: Edouard Mendy
Lampard lost faith in Kepa Arrizabalaga during his first spell. A string of costly errors prompted Chelsea to buy the relatively unknown Edouard Mendy from Rennes, and the Blues boss helped to catapult the Senegalese shot-stopper’s reputation as one of the best in the world.
Having returned from a shoulder injury to feature on the bench against Liverpool, it would not be a surprise to see Mendy thrust back into first-team action in Lampard’s first game.
Frank Lampard could ring the changes for Chelsea's Premier League visit to Wolves (Image: Getty)
Defenders: Reece James, Benoit Badiashile, Kalidou Koulibaly, Ben Chilwell
With form among his centre-backs an issue before shoehorning Reece James into central defence, at times it felt as though Potter was deploying a back five for the sake of it. Lampard would often opt for a 4-2-3-1 and that shape could return at Molineux, with Chelsea’s key stars all fitting into the system.
Benoit Badiashile has been a rare shining light in defence for Chelsea and could start alongside the more experienced Kalidou Koulibaly, who was often linked with the West Londoners during Lampard’s reign.
Chelsea star Mason Mount could play a key role under Frank Lampard (Image: Getty)
Midfielders: Conor Gallagher, Enzo Fernandez, Mason Mount
Lampard’s promise of a clean slate would have been well received by his protege, Mason Mount. The pair share an excellent relationship and it is likely that the interim boss will restore the England midfielder to the starting XI after he was unused in the last two games.
Conor Gallagher spent the entirety of Lampard’s first spell on loan at Charlton, Swansea and West Brom. Lampard might want a closer look at a midfielder who bears similarities to a prime version of himself. Gallagher and Enzo Fernandez could adopt deeper midfield positions with Mount in a No 10 role.
Conor Gallagher could line up alongside Mason Mount in Chelsea's midfield (Image: Getty)
Raheem Sterling’s experience could be vital before the end of the season, especially around a young squad. Injuries have limited the forward’s impact since his summer switch from Manchester City, but he is now fit again and enjoyed a late cameo against former club Liverpool.
One of Lampard’s key moves could be to withdraw the scoring burden from Kai Havertz and replace the German with Joao Felix. Havertz has always looked much more comfortable in midfield.
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