Chelsea go into tonight’s game knowing that a win can guarantee them top spot in their Champions League group.
But they also know that they have a punishing schedule coming up, and that this is a unique chance to rest some legs, given they’re already through, at the very least in second place.
It’s also important to give a chance to so many of the players who aren’t playing week in, week out in the Premier League.
So Frank Lampard has decided to go all out on the rotation, leaving just Mateo Kovacic and Edouard Mendy from the weekend’s game.
It’s a risky move, but a gamble we totally understand given the circumstances. On social media the team got a mixed reaction, with most backing the manager to balance his various needs nicely.
As one Tweeter put it, it’s “a team that can do a job.”
You can see a selection of the reaction on social media here:
🚨 Christian Pulisic and Callum Hudson-Odoi start on the wings for Chelsea tonight.
22 and 20. Chelsea’s starboys’ chance to shine tonight. pic.twitter.com/xUcp5b32TJ
— LDN (@LDNFootbalI) December 2, 2020
Lampard resting A LOT of key men tonight. A lot. But going forward we still have names like Pulisic, Havertz, Hudson-Odoi & Giroud.
Regarding the other end of the pitch… ummmmm, I’ll choose to comment after the game. But at least we have Azpi & Mendy back there.
— Alex Goldberg (@AlexGoldberg_) December 2, 2020
https://twitter.com/CarefreeYouth/status/1334209130303795203
A team that can do a job
Loving the Pulisic, CHO, Havertz triumvirate
Come On Chelsea!!!!! https://t.co/1zseO53pQy— Mark Worrall (@gate17marco) December 2, 2020
Last start for Chelsea's team in Seville:
Emerson – 23 September
Giroud – 29 September
Christensen – 17 October
Pulisic – 24 October
Havertz – 31 OctoberImportant/rare minutes for players. Lampard says he doesn't expect a 'drop in level.' #CFC #UCL
— Nizaar Kinsella (@NizaarKinsella) December 2, 2020
Pulisic, Giroud & Hudson-Odoi all start! 😍
Only concern is the defence, no Thiago Silva and Zouma will always worry me.
— BlueTweetsFC™ (@BlueTweetsFC) December 2, 2020
Just a few surprises from Frank tonight.
Here’s hoping Gilmourszn resumes in th second half! 🤞 https://t.co/8Rx7TiMbbP
— London Is Blue Podcast ⭐️⭐️ (@LondonBluePod) December 2, 2020
Yep, 0 issues with that. Tired guys get rested, these guys get a chance to earn a start v Leeds. 1st v 2nd is whatever really #CFC #SEVCHE https://t.co/Epg1S9B7gQ
— Travis (@Travtical) December 2, 2020
Before the lineup is confirmed (which looks pretty good to me), first v second is pretty academic to me in #UCL anymore. Avoid Bayern to get Atletico? Avoid Barcelona to get Juve? It's all about the same really #CFC #SEVCHE
— Travis (@Travtical) December 2, 2020
Pulisic, Giroud, Hudson-Odoi!
That’s the front 3 many wanted to see, including myself, and I’m quite happy.
— Alex Goldberg (@AlexGoldberg_) December 2, 2020
https://twitter.com/CarefreeYouth/status/1334206805044580354
Christensen & Rudiger 😖😖😖 https://t.co/rCbytkyf9p
— Jack (@jackjzaandrew) December 2, 2020
Bar Havertz, CHO and Mendy, this was basically our first team for most of last season.
— Tom Brown (@BrownTommo) December 2, 2020
Actually rate this squad tho
— Andy Holland (@ajholland7) December 2, 2020