Frank Lampard’s Chelsea managerial career kicks off against Bohemians in Dublin today – and we’ve had a crack at predicting how the Blues could lineup for the game.
While it is pretty futile predicting pre-season starting XIs, with managers able to sub in a whole new pack if they so wish, we’re excited about Lampard in the dugout so we’re going to do it anyway.
Kepa Arrizabalaga has been training with the squad and will undoubtedly be Lampard’s number one choice between the sticks. He’ll likely start tonight.
At right-back we’d expect to see Cesar Azpilicueta, with Kurt Zouma and David Luiz being paired alongside Emerson Palmieri, with Marcos Alonso to get minutes later on.
Lampard hardly has any wingers available for selection, so he could be forced to experiment with his midfield and forward line, rather than forcing players into a formation he doesn’t wish to implement.
That could see the Premier League winning partnership of Danny Drinkwater and N’Golo Kante be brought back to life, with Mason Mount in the number 10 role.
On the right wing, Pedro will likely start in the absence of Willian and Christian Pulisic, while both Kenedy and Lucas Piazon have a fighting chance of being chosen out on the left.
Through the middle we would expect to see Michy Batshuayi get the nod, with Tammy Abraham likely still feeling the effects of his European Championship campaign with the England U21s.
What do you think of this lineup, Blues?
