HAVING scraped past Crystal Palace 3-2 on Tuesday night, Chelsea look likely to sneak back into the Champions League next season.
And even if resurgent Manchester United do catch them, City’s upcoming European ban could hand whomever comes fifth a precious lifeline.
How Chelsea could line up next season
With an array of talented stars set to join and compliment Frank Lampard’s promising young guns, the sky could be the limit for the Blues next season.
Having won it all as a player, Lampard, 42, will be keen to put some silverware in the cabinet as a coach – and will have a great opportunity next season with a few smart acquisitions.
Timo Werner and Hakim Ziyech have already signed on the dotted line, but how will the West Londoners line up with those two and even a few others, joining their impressive young squad?
SunSport take a look.
YOUTHFUL DEFENCE
Declan Rice has all the attributes to be a top defenderCredit: Getty Images – Getty
While Kepa hasn’t impressed in his two years at Stamford Bridge, the 25-year-old appears set to be handed one more chance to secure the gloves in West London.
Skipper Cesar Azpilicueta will remain an important figure in the dressing room, but now is Reece James’ time to shine, having started nine of the Blues’ last 14 Premier League games.
Lampard remains eager to secure a new left-back, with Marcos Alonso unreliable and Emerson Palmieri seemingly off to Juventus.
Lucas Digne has been mentioned, but the Blues’ first-choice remains Ben Chilwell, who they believe they can prise from Leicester.
Kurt Zouma has had an impressive resurrection to his Chelsea career this season, and could be partnered at the back by Declan Rice – with the West Ham youngster’s future potentially lying at centre-back having featured there recently for David Moyes’ side.
CREATIVITY IN THE MIDDLE
Chelsea hope to add Havertz’s creativity next termCredit: Getty – Pool
Lampard has shown an inclination to move N’Golo Kante back to the base of his midfield, although expect Billy Gilmour to continue to emerge.
Jorginho, on the other hand, looks set to depart – with Frank Lampard having used him for just ten minutes since the Premier League’s restart.
To Kante’s left will be Mason Mount, who has featured in more Premier League games than any other Chelsea player this season.
Ross Barkley has had something of a renaissance of late, but his hopes of featuring will take a huge blow should the Blues manage to get the exciting acquisition of Bayer Leverkusen creator Kai Havertz over the line.
The German, 21, is among the most productive attacking midfielders in Europe, and could make the difference in some of the games in which Chelsea have struggled to break down stubborn opponents this term.
AN UNSTOPPABLE ATTACK
Timo Werner scored 34 goals in his final season at RB LeipzigCredit: AFP or licensors
As for the front-three, they should provide a frightening proposition to any opposition defence next season.
Christian Pulisic has been on fire of late, scoring his latest goal against Crystal Palace on Tuesday and drawing comparisons with ex-Chelsea hero Eden Hazard.
He should slot in beautifully on the left-flank alongside new-boys Werner and Ziyech.
And with the former having just scored 34 goals for RB Leipzig, and the latter having laid on 21 assists in a shortened Ajax season – it should be goals galore down the Bridge next season.
Of the old guard, Pedro will depart for Roma, while Willian could follow him out the door having still not agreed a contract extension.
Callum Hudson-Odoi will be hoping to take another step forward and compete with his new star team-mates, while Tammy Abraham’s goals remain important as evidenced on Tuesday night… even as his contract speculation continues to rumble on.
Pulisic has been on fire of late for the BluesCredit: Reuters
Frank Lampard press conference after Crystal Palace 2-3 Chelsea
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
