The Chelsea Lineup That Should Start Against Leeds

04 December 2020 22:15

Red-hot Chelsea take on Leeds in the Premier League this weekend, looking to continue their fine form in front of 2,000 spectators under the lights of Stamford Bridge.

Frank Lampard's side recorded a sumptuous 4-0 victory against Sevilla in midweek, despite making nine changes to the side that played out a stale 0-0 draw with Tottenham last weekend.

Marcelo Bielsa's Leeds will be no pushovers - having taken four points off Arsenal and Everton recently - but Chelsea's abundance of options will leave many confident that they can pick up another three points.

Here's the team Lampard should pick to lead the Blues to victory.


1. Goalkeeper and Defenders

James has ousted Cesar Azpilicueta from the side | Visionhaus/Getty Images

Edouard Mendy (GK) - The Senegalese stopper has been sensational since he arrived, and tops the Premier League for clean sheets. Kepa, who?

Reece James (RB) - Has rightfully made the right-back spot his own with a string of stellar defensive displays. Has gelled nicely with Hakim Ziyech on the right, and has a sensational delivery on him - one that will excite the in-form Olivier Giroud.

Kurt Zouma (CB) - The Frenchman has made his presence felt in both boxes this season, having already bagged three goals. His confidence is growing with each game and he's developed a solid partnership with Thiago SIlva at the heart of the defence.

Thiago Silva (CB) - Having not featured midweek, Silva should return to the starting XI alongside regular partner Zouma. His experience and leadership skills appear to be rubbing off nicely.

Ben Chilwell (LB) - Has been passed fit to start after a minor injury scare midweek. Has built up good chemistry with the likes of Timo Werner and Mason Mount on the left flank, and is far more savvy defensively than Chelsea's other options.


2. Midfielders

Mason Mount has continued to impress | John Berry/Getty Images

N'Golo Kante (DM) - The Frenchman's improvement in recent weeks has gone under the radar, but he's the beating heart of this Chelsea side. A certain starter.

Mason Mount (CM) - Has been under the microscope for a number of weeks, but continues to impress each and every time he takes to the field. Can lineup on either the right or left hand side of a three.

Kai Havertz (CM) -
The German made his return midweek after testing positive for COVID-19, and looked like he hadn't been away. Fitness may be a concern, but his creativity and artistry may help to break down Leeds' defence.


3. Forwards

Giroud bagged four in midweek against Sevilla | David Ramos/Getty Images

Hakim Ziyech (RW) - Chelsea's go-to-architect, Ziyech will be at the heart of anything and everything Chelsea have going on up front. With Giroud likely to start, the link-up play between the pair could be beautiful to watch.

Olivier Giroud (ST) - Having set a timely reminder of his quality midweek, it's unlikely the Frenchman will be ousted by Tammy Abraham. If he is, we'll all be damned here at 90min.

Timo Werner (LW) - Many thought Werner would be the main man through the middle, but Lampard appears to have settled on him playing him wide left - for now. Has been profligate in front of goal, and needs to rediscover his sharpness with Christian Pulisic and Callum Hudson-Odoi keen for minutes.


Source: 90min