Chelsea

How Chelsea could line up under Frank Lampard

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 26 June 2019

Chelsea are keen to appoint Frank Lampard as their new manager, but how may the Blues line up if the club legend returns to Stamford Bridge?

Chelsea are looking to appoint Frank Lampard as their new manager ahead of the new campaign, with the club legend allegedly in line to be handed a three-year contract.

However, Lampard would return to Stamford Bridge aware that he would be unable to sign any new players as a result of the club's two-window transfer ban, which is expected to lead to some of the club's academy players being handed first-team opportunities.

Eden Hazard's departure to Real Madrid also has the potential to cause Lampard some issues in the final third at a time when Callum Hudson-Odoi is injured and Gonzalo Higuain is expected to return to Juventus.

There are fitness doubts regarding a number of other players, but Lampard will still have an idea of how he wants to line up for the club's first Premier League fixture of the season away at Manchester United.

Here, Sports Mole assesses which players could be given the chance to impress in the fixture at Old Trafford on August 11.

Chelsea XI with Frank Lampard as manager.

Chelsea completed a deal for Christian Pulisic before they were punished by FIFA, leaving the USA international as a likely starter on the flank while Hudson-Odoi is still in the treatment room.

However, while there has been talk of involvement for the younger crop, Lampard also values experience and Willian would offer that on the opposite side of the pitch.

Olivier Giroud will almost certainly get the nod in the lone attacking position, despite Michy Batshuayi and Tammy Abraham potentially being brought back into the senior fold at the West Londoners.

Jorginho and N'Golo Kante will be used in the middle of the park but unlike under Maurizio Sarri, expect the latter to be used in a more defensive role alongside the Italian.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek will be Lampard's preference in front of the pair, although Ross Barkley should be handed responsibility there in that area until the return of the England international.

The backline could largely remain the same, but Kurt Zouma may come into the team should Lampard opt against selling the centre-back to Everton, where he spent last season on loan.