CHELSEA are finally set to kick off their 2020-21 season against Brighton tonight.
Frank Lampard has added a host of quality players to his squad this summer, with fans excited to see what they can do.
How Chelsea should line-up against Brighton
But, frustratingly, the Blues boss won’t have the majority available just yet.
Hakim Ziyech and Ben Chilwell will both miss out through injury while Thiago Silva is yet to train with the squad.
In fact, the only two new players expected to be in for a chance of featuring on Monday are German duo Timo Werner and Kai Havertz.
Both have had plenty of time training with their new team-mates and could be in line to start against the Seagulls.
With that in mind, I believe Lampard will start the game using one of his trusted formations from last season – the 4-2-3-1.
With Mateo Kovacic unavailable through suspension, here’s how I’d like to see Lampard send out his Chelsea troops….
Kepa will likely be given one last chance against BrightonCredit: AFP
GK – Kepa Arrizabalaga
Kepa should probably be given a chance to prove himself one more time.
But should Edouard Mendy arrive, it seems certain the Spaniard will lose his spot.
RB – Reece James
James had a decent season last term, but I’d expect him to really push on under Lampard this season.
CB – Kurt Zouma
Chelsea’s best centre back from last season must surely get the nod against Brighton.
Tomori and Zouma should start together for the 2020-21 seasonCredit: AP:Associated Press
CB – Fikayo Tomori
Tomori started playing every game for Lampard last season and whatever happened to change that, it must be pushed aside.
He deserves another chance to nail down his spot as a regular centre back for Chelsea this season as he has so much potential.
LB – Cesar Azpilicueta
I still believe that in a flat back four without Chilwell available, Azpilicueta is our best bet at left back.
Loftus-Cheek deserves a start over Mount against BrightonCredit: Getty Images – Getty
CM – Ruben Loftus-Cheek
Some may prefer to see Mason Mount here and could be surprised I am selecting Loftus-Cheek.
But for me, he will be like another new signing this season and he already looks hungrier and fitter in the couple of pre-season matches he has played.
I believe Ruben can start this season on fire after fully recovering from his Achilles injury.
CM – N’Golo Kante
Kante will continue to be one of the first names on the Chelsea teamsheet this season and tonight will be no different.
RW – Callum Hudson-Odoi
Callum on the right is a very dangerous weapon, and I believe he can link up strongly with Havertz, Pulisic and Werner in those attacking positions.
He looked VERY lively for the England Under-21s last week, so we must use that momentum and start him on Monday.
CAM – Kai Havertz
I see no reason why our new attacking midfielder should not start on Monday.
He has a great attitude, full of confidence, fully fit, and raring to go. So let’s get him out there and let him shine.
Fans will be excited to see Timo Werner lead the line this seasonCredit: AFP or licensors
LW – Christian Pulisic
Pulisic has been injured but he has recovered quickly and been declared 100 per cent fit.
Again, if this is the case, I see no reason why he should not start against Brighton as it is so important we come out of the blocks firing.
A good start to the season can do so much for players’ morale going forward.
ST – Timo Werner
A no-brainer pick for me up top.
This guy looks like an absolute marksman in front of goal, and we should put him straight into the mix.
Chelsea boss Frank Lampard thinks that new signing Kai Havertz can play in any position
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
