CHELSEA boss Frank Lampard is poised to ring the changes for the visit of Aston Villa.
The Blues gaffer was fuming after his side flopped to a 3-1 defeat to lowly Arsenal at the weekend.
The biggest casualty from that loss is likely to be £47.5million striker Timo Werner.
The German was subbed at half-time of that game and then called out by his boss post-match.
Werner has now gone ten games without scoring for the West Londoners – though in his defence, he has been shunted out to the left-wing.
Tammy Abraham seems to have bagged the coveted central skier role, and scored a consolation against the Gunners.
Edouard Mendy, who still seems to be settling in, should start in goal, with Thiago Silva and Kurt Zouma ahead of him.
Summer-signing from Leicester Ben Chilwell is likely to keep his place at left-back, but there could be a change on the other flank.
Reece James gave away a penalty and looked shaky all game – Lampard may decide to call upon the experienced Cesar Azpilicueta.
The midfield three is likely to be switched up too. Mateo Kovacic was also replaced at half-time of the Arsenal loss and he could be replaced by Jorginho.
Mason Mount and N’Golo Kante could partner the Italian in the middle of the park.
Callum Hudson-Odoi looked bright when replacing Werner on Boxing Day, and he is expected to replace Werner.
Christian Pulisic should bag the right-wing berth hoping to supply Abraham with the chances to breach the Villa defence.
Frank Lampard was seething at his side’s loss to ArsenalCredit: Reuters
Lampard spoke of his frustration that his side missed out on the chance to go second in the Premier League table after the shock loss to Arsenal.
He said: “I’ll take responsibility on the outside but the players also have to take responsibility.
“The message was clear – Arsenal are a dangerous team. When you go out and play 60 or 70 per cent then you’re not going to win any games.
“I am angry because I want us to win games. It was an opportunity to go second. You get what you deserve.”
Lampard admits Chelsea didn’t deserve much in the first half against Arsenal
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
