CHELSEA travel to newly crowned champions Liverpool with the chance to secure Champions League qualification.
And they do so riding high off the back of a 3-1 win over Manchester United, who rival them for a top four spot.
Frank Lampard will go into the trip to Anfield tomorrow night with a tactical decision to make on whether to stick or twist with his formation.
The Blues boss set up with a 3-4-3 against United in the FA Cup final, a formation that brought them scoring opportunities throughout.
But it’s the same shape Lampard was forced to ditch against Arsenal in December after 30 minutes, with Chelsea going on to win 2-1 after reverting to a back four.
In between the posts Kepa Arrizabalaga’s place cannot be guaranteed, after Willy Caballero kept a clean sheet at Wembley.
Arrizabalaga spent four games on the bench in the league after Caballero impressed against Hull in the cup at the start of the year.
The Spaniard has conceded nine goals in the six games since the Premier League restart, with only two clean sheets.
Whoever starts in goal can be expected to have Antonio Rudiger and Kurt Zouma at centre-back, following good displays against United and Norwich.
Cesar Azpilicueta should keep his place also, whether that be in the back three or as a full-back.
Should a 3-4-3 formation be deployed Reece James and Marcos Alonso will find themselves operating the wing back positions.
But based off James’ performance last weekend, he would be favoured to start at right-back if a back four is chosen, with Azpilicueta shifted to the left.
Jorginho and Mateo Kovacic led Chelsea’s midfield excellently at Wembley, but the return of Christian Pulisic could force one out of the starting 11.
If Pulisic is started on the left wing, Mason Mount can be expected to move back into midfield following his recent run of form.
Alternatively, if a 4-3-3 is chosen Jorginho, Kovacic and Mount could feature in a three-man midfield.
N’Golo Kante is still injured and Ross Barkley, who has two goals since the restart, is also available along with Ruben Loftus-Cheek.
Whether Mount or Pulisic start on the left, Willian is expected to keep his place on the right with in-form Giroud leading the line.
Olivier Giroud can be expected to keep his place in the starting 11 Credit: Reuters
Inside Wembley tunnel as Man Utd star Mata reunites with old Chelsea pals
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
