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      How Chelsea could line up against Aston Villa with Timo Werner dropped after Lampard blast and Hudson-Odoi starting

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      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 More

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      Tuchel ‘interested’ in Chelsea job as ex-PSG boss eyes swift managerial return if Lampard can’t turn fortunes around

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      THOMAS TUCHEL is already eyeing a return to the dugout after being sacked by Paris Saint-Germain – with Chelsea reportedly on his radar.
      The Ligue 1 champions dismissed Tuchel, 47, on Christmas Eve after a relatively poor start to the defence of their crown.

      Thomas Tuchel is on the lookout for a new job after leaving Paris Saint-GermainCredit: Alamy Live News

      Frank Lampard’s job at Chelsea is reportedly being eyed by the GermanCredit: Kevin Quigley-The Daily Mail

      Mauricio Pochettino is set to take the PSG job in the coming days after a £5.4million pay-off for their former manager.
      According to Bild, the German does not want to take a break from the game, having done so after stints at Mainz and Borussia Dortmund came to an end.
      A move to England and the Premier League is said to be high on his list of priorities.
      This season has seen a surprisingly low number of managerial sackings with only Slaven Bilic losing his job at West Brom.

      And Tuchel reportedly fancies a move to Chelsea, were that position to become available.
      It is claimed that Roman Abramovich discussed offering him the job ahead of Antonio Conte’s exit at the end of the 2017-18 season.
      The Blues’ trio of Germans, all of whom are currently misfiring, is described as a point of interest to the Bavarian boss.
      Timo Werner and Kai Havertz have failed to regularly star since moving to West London in the summer with Antonio Rudiger currently out of the team.

      Any notion of Chelsea sacking Frank Lampard is, however, premature.
      The former midfielder led his youthful side to the FA Cup final and a top-four finish last season.
      Ahead of Monday’s clash with Aston Villa, they sit eighth in the table but only four points behind Everton in second.
      Having spent big in the summer, and with those new signings yet to fully take off, the upcoming clashes with Villa, Manchester City and Leicester could go a long way to deciding Chelsea’s season.
      The 3-1 defeat to Arsenal last time out raised further questions about the squad’s abilities.
      BBC pundit Alan Shearer told Match of the Day: “When you look at some of the players on show in the attacking third, then this could be a worry for Frank.

      “Werner, who was dragged at half time, didn’t offer anything in that first half, got into one or two decent positions.”
      While former Blues forward Tony Cascarino feels the result switched the pressure off Mikel Arteta – and onto Lampard.
      He told talkSPORT: “Frank has got a real problem at the football club.
      “I’m not convinced by the people that say Arteta is seriously under pressure; I think Frank is under every bit as much, and even more, pressure.”
      ⚽ Read our Chelsea live blog for the very latest news from the Bridge

      Lampard admits Chelsea didn’t deserve much in the first half against Arsenal More

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      Ben Chilwell suffers injury blow on birthday as Chelsea defender hobbles off with ankle problem and is doubt for Arsenal

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      BEN CHILWELL had a birthday to forget after hobbling off injured for Chelsea after just ten minutes – and could miss the trip to Arsenal.
      The left-back collided with West Ham winger Jarod Bowen – who coincidentally celebrated his birthday only a day earlier.

      Ben Chilwell had a birthday to forget after hobbling off injured for Chelsea after just ten minutesCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

      Chilwell, who turned 24, was replaced by Emerson as the Blues went on to win 3-0, with Thiago Silva and Tammy Abraham on target.
      Manager Frank Lampard confirmed after the game that the defender suffered an ankle injury and will have a scan.
      But Chilwell faces a fight to be fit for Chelsea’s Boxing Day trip to arch rivals Arsenal.
      Lampard said: “Turned his ankle, will have a scan tomorrow to see how he is.

      “He’s certainly a doubt for Arsenal.”
      It will come as a blow for manager Frank Lampard as he approaches a hectic festive run of games.
      The Chelsea boss already has right-back Reece James sidelined with a knee injury.
      While Hakim Ziyech has been out since the start of December after picking up a hamstring problem in Chelsea’s 3-1 win against Leeds.

      But Lampard has been given a boost with winger Callum Hudson-Odoi returning to the squad after suffering the same strain.
      The forward was on the bench against the Hammers, after Lampard admitted it was too early to confirm when James or Ziyech could play again.
      Premier League manager voted AGAINST the return of five subs despite complaints about crammed fixtures.

      Arteta confuses fans with strange statistical breakdown More

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      11 forgotten Chelsea players still on their books, including Musonda, Pantic, Kenedy, Baker, Rahman and Van Ginkel

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      ASTONISHINGLY, Chelsea have 32 players out on loan at other clubs this season.
      While more of their stars that aren’t playing first team football, and couldn’t get a move elsewhere, might be playing with the reserves.

      Charly Musonda is one of a number of forgotten Chelsea starsCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      There will be some, of course, you remember. Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Ethan Ampadu and Michy Batshuayi spring to mind.
      And then there are others you would’ve completely forgotten about.
      Here’s 11 Blues stars still on the books at Stamford Bridge rival fans might be tempted to chant, ‘Who are ya?”
      CHARLY MUSONDA
      Now 24, the Belgium midfielder has been with the club since 2012, making seven appearances in all competitions.

      But Musonda, once a highly-rated prospect, hasn’t appeared since 2018 and was loaned out to Dutch side Vitesse last season.
      And that’s because of a crippling knee injury that has kept him sidelined for 15 months.
      Musonda is now back in training, but his future at Stamford Bridge remains unclear.

      Musonda has worked his way back to fitness after a 15-month injury lay offCredit: https://www.instagram.com/musonda/?hl=en
      VICTOR MOSES
      Under Antonio Conte, Moses was reborn playing as a wing-back.

      But under Maurizio Sarri he was frozen out, and Lampard has favoured more conventional defenders in the full back positions.
      Moses enjoyed a loan at Inter Milan, where he was reunited with Conte.
      Now, he’s at Spartak Moscow.

      Victor Moses is still a Chelsea player despite being frozen out by Sarri and LampardCredit: Getty – Contributor
      LUCAS PIAZON
      Incredibly, Brazilian winger Piazon is on his seventh loan.
      Now 26, he’s plying his trade in Portugal at Rio Ave, after spells at Malaga, Vitesse, Frankfurt, Reading, Fulham, and Chievo.
      Bizarrely, he signed a contract extension with the Blues in 2019, after stating he believed he had no future at the club just months earlier.
      Chelsea reportedly wouldn’t let him walk away for free, so he signed a new deal to get another loan away.

      Lucas Piazon has been loaned seven timesCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      MARCO VAN GINKEL
      Signed in 2013 from Vitesse Arnhem for £9million, the Dutch midfielder suffered a serious knee injury at the beginning of his Chelsea career.
      Van Ginkel then struggled to re-establish himself in the first team set-up, and was loaned to AC Milan, Stoke, and for four seasons at PSV.
      However his progress has been hampered by a serious ACL injury, and he hasn’t played a single game since May 2018.
      However he is back on loan at PSV, having signed a one-year deal with Chelsea last summer, in the hope he can resurrect his career.
      The Dutch international has 31 goals in 64 games in loan spells from 2015 to today.

      Marco van Ginkel is a forgotten man at Stamford BridgeCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      KENEDY
      The Brazilian appeared 20 times in all competitions the season he signed for Chelsea in 2014-15 for a fee of around £6.3million.
      But again he found himself loaned out, to Watford in 2016 and Newcastle for two consecutive seasons from 2017.
      In recent seasons he’s left our shores to play in La Liga for Getafe and Granada.
      However, he’s still on Chelsea’s books.

      Kenedy is still on Chelsea’s books but hasn’t played for the Blues since 2018Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      LEWIS BAKER
      Former Luton youth star Baker, 25, has played just once for Chelsea – during the 2013-14 season.
      The following season, because of the assistance of then-boss Jose Mourinho, he was given a Premier League winner’s medal, despite never playing a game.
      After loan spells with seven different clubs, he’s now in Turkey with Trabzonspor.
      A chance at Chelsea seems unlikely now.

      Lewis Baker has made just one appearance for ChelseaCredit: Getty – Contributor
      DANILO PANTIC
      The Serbian midfielder was signed by the Blues in 2015 from Partizan.
      Capped at various youth levels, he was scouted by Juventus before Chelsea pounced on him for £1.25million.
      But Pantic has yet to make a senior appearance for the club, and is now highly unlikely to.
      He’s currently playing in Hungary with Čukarički.
      MATT MIAZGA
      When the American international made his debut for the club in 2016 and impressed in a 4-0 win over Aston Villa, it looked like Chelsea had found an imposing centre half to partner John Terry.
      But in Miazga’s second game he was subbed off at half-time against Swansea.
      The £3.5million signing from NY Red Bulls is on loan at Anderlecht currently.
      The 25-year-old has 20 caps for the USA to his name.

      Matt Miazga is currently on loan at AnderlechtCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      BABA RAHMAN
      The Ghanaian left-back cost Chelsea a whopping £14million, potentially rising to £22million in 2015.
      But the move from FC Augsburg never really worked out for Rahman, and he has made just 23 appearances for the club – his last in 2016.
      Rahman spent three years on loan at Schalke, a season at Reims and then at Mallorca last term.
      Chelsea fans could be forgiven for forgetting he’s still with the club.

      Baba Rahman cost Chelsea an initial fee of £14millionCredit: AFP or licensors
      JAMAL BLACKMAN
      Once considered a hot prospect, Blackman is now 26.
      He suffered the cruel indignity of a serious knee injury on loan at Leeds, where it looked like he might establish himself under Marcelo Bielsa in 2018.
      This season, Blackman has been impressing at Rotherham United in the Championship.
      Maybe there’s a future for him at Stamford Bridge?

      Jamal Blackman is rebuilding his career at RotherhamCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      IZZY BROWN
      Jose Mourinho rated him, handing Brown his debut in 2015 in a 3-0 defeat to West Brom.
      However, the attacking midfielder hasn’t made an appearance for the club since.

      Instead he’s been loaned out to a variety of clubs, including Huddersfield Town, Brighton, Leeds and Luton last year.
      This term, he’s at Sheffield Wednesday on loan for the season, where he has impressed so far.
      At 23, his time in West London might be coming to an end.

      Izzy Brown’s career at Chelsea may be coming to an end but he’s still on their booksCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Frank Lampard hopes Chelsea duo Hakim Ziyech and Callum Hudson-Odoi can return to training this week More

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      Frank Lampard hopes Chelsea duo Hakim Ziyech and Callum Hudson-Odoi can return to training this week

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      INJURED Chelsea duo Hakim Ziyech and Callum Hudson-Odoi could return to training this week, Frank Lampard has confirmed.
      The Blues boss desperately needs attacking reinforcements after a string of poor displays in front of goal.

      Callum Hudson-Odoi was on good form before suffering a hamstring injuryCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Hakim Ziyech is yet to enjoy a long run in the team since joining from AjaxCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Olivier Giroud’s volley past Wolves is the team’s only goal from open play in their last three games.
      And Lampard believes there is a chance both Ziyech and Hudson-Odoi can make the weekend match with West Ham.
      He told reporters: “Hakim and Callum will hopefully be training by the end of the week.
      “Whether they’re fit for West Ham I’m not sure.”

      Both wingers are struggling with hamstring issues and had been expected to be out until Christmas.
      Chelsea are battling to save their title challenge after consecutive defeats in the league.

      Tuesday’s 2-1 defeat at Wolves, after a late comeback by the Molineux club, followed the weekend’s narrow loss at Everton.
      Christian Pulisic was able to return to the side last night after a short spell on the sidelines.

      But it was new signings Kai Havertz and Timo Werner who came in for criticism as the German pair yet again blanked in front of goal.
      Amazon Prime pundit Paul Scholes outlined one issue in the midfield that could cost Chelsea the title this year.
      He said: “I think there is a lack of creativity in the middle of the pitch.
      “[N’Golo] Kante, you know what he’s going to do, but the two next to him are young – [Mason] Mount and Havertz.

      “They will be fantastic but I think that’s why they won’t win the league this year. They’re not quite ready.”
      And ex-Chelsea star Joe Cole backed Werner to re-find his form after going eight games without a goal.
      He added: “I think [Werner] just needs to brush up on his finishing, but he’s a young striker and he will do that.
      “So I’ve got no doubts he’ll be a top player for Chelsea, but there are options now and Lampard needs to move it around.

      “Ziyech and Hudson-Odoi [are there] to come back in, freshen it up at some point. Take Werner out, bring him back in.”
      Chelsea host West Ham on Monday night having slipped to fifth in the table.
      But results going against the Blues ahead of the London derby could even see them drop to 12th by the time they kick off.
      ⚽ Read our Chelsea live blog for the very latest news from the Bridge

      Frank Lampard says Chelsea have dropped the Premier League standards in their last games More

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      Chelsea’s horror fun of February fixtures revealed which includes Man Utd, Tottenham and Atletico Madrid

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      FEBRUARY promises to be a make or break month for Chelsea as Frank Lampard’s title challengers face a host of tough trips.
      Of the six matches the Blues are currently scheduled for, only two are at home.

      The month kicks off with a midweek trip to table-topping Tottenham before a potential banana skin versus Sheffield United.
      A break before the next weekend’s game against Newcastle may not be what Chelsea want, with the FA Cup fifth round scheduled for Tuesday, February 9.
      The Blues will hope for another comfortable night against the Magpies having won their last eight meetings in West London.
      Finally guaranteed a few days’ rest, Chelsea then make the short trip to Southampton on February 20.

      Saints sit above Lampard’s men at this moment after seven wins from their opening 12 matches.
      And the visitors to St Mary’s may have one eye on their Champions League last-16 first leg trip to Madrid the following midweek.
      Atletico welcome Chelsea to Estadio Wanda Metropolitano aiming to knock them out in a similar fashion to last year’s upset against Liverpool at the same stage.
      Rounding off the difficult spell is a visit from Manchester United on the weekend of February 27.

      Jose Mourinho welcomes old club Chelsea to Tottenham to kick off their tough runCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Manchester United round off the February spell at Stamford BridgeCredit: AP:Associated Press

      Broadcasters are yet to pick their matches for this period but the Blues will be spared from the disliked Saturday lunchtime kick-off for that game, if the Red Devils are still in the Europa League.
      Having lost to Everton on the weekend, Chelsea’s position as title contenders will be much clearer by February.
      But any ambitions of silverware will have to cross this tricky gauntlet.
      ⚽ Read our Chelsea live blog for the very latest news from the Bridge

      Chelsea face Atletico Madrid in horror Champions League knockout stages with Liverpool taking on tough RB Leipzig More

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      Chelsea boss Frank Lampard calls for fans to be EXEMPT from Tier 3 restrictions as supporters are banned in London

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      FRANK LAMPARD has called on the Government to reverse its decision to ban fans from football stadiums in Tier 3.
      London and parts of Essex and Hertfordshire will move into the highest level of coronavirus restrictions this week.

      Frank Lampard was only able to enjoy two games with fans at Stamford BridgeCredit: AFP or licensors

      Chelsea’s home must shut its doors again after entering Tier 3 restrictionsCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Chelsea will therefore be among the several clubs having to shut their doors to supporters despite hosting two games with 2,000 spectators.
      But the Blues boss, 42, is confident that the recent re-opening of grounds is not responsible for a rise in coronavirus cases.
      He said ahead of the Government’s announcement: “Let’s get it right, we are making it up as we go along because we’ve never been in this position before.
      “And I think when you are talking about if clubs can control the situation, then I think that they’ve shown so far that they can.

      “So I would like to have thought that something could be done to make it exempt where we can get that 2,000 number in.
      “But that goes above my station, I’m just saying what I think.”

      Of the Premier League, only Liverpool, Everton, Brighton and Southampton will be allowed to host 2,000 fans under the current tier guidelines.
      The latest enforcement of Tier 3 rules has led to a situation where the World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace is allowed only one night of attendees.

      And Championship duo Queens Park Rangers and Watford are among those allowed supporters at their home games on Tuesday night, because the restrictions start at 00.01am on Wednesday morning.

      Chelsea play Wolves later today at Molineux, a ground that has remained in Tier 3 since the system was imposed earlier this month.
      Half of the top-flight, including clubs around Manchester, Yorkshire and the Midlands, are hoping to get the green light to re-open stadiums this week.
      Lampard does admit that it would be more fair to have a ‘level playing field’ where all clubs are allowed 2,000 fans.
      He added: “Even though we’ve been in Tier 2 and had fans in for a couple of games, I did feel that it should have been a level playing field with fans if some clubs can have them and some can’t.

      We’ve seen already and felt it, the backing fans give you and what it does to the game – and I think that should be pretty level.
      Frank Lampard

      “We’ve seen already and felt it, the backing that they give you and what it does to the game – and I think that should be pretty level.
      “I also think we can control 2,000 fans coming into a stadium if they are coming from within a tier or whatever to keep things moving along. So it’s unfortunate to say the least.”
      Tier 3 restrictions, which also close restaurants, theatres and pubs, will mean Chelsea’s upcoming home games against West Ham, Aston Villa and Manchester City take place behind closed doors.
      The system will be reviewed in a number of weeks with the rest of the country’s guidelines potentially changing in a few days’ time.
      ⚽ Read our Chelsea live blog for the very latest news from the Bridge

      Mayor of London Sadiq Khan says if the government move London into Tier 3 they need to ‘provide additional support’ More