LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 17: Timo Werner of Chelsea celebrates with teammate Mason Mount after scoring his sides second goal during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Southampton at Stamford Bridge on October 17, 2020 in London, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
Chelsea are set to make the trip to the Emirates for a London derby against Arsenal on Boxing Day, having got their campaign back on track after disappointing defeats against Everton and Wolves.
Chelsea romped home to a comfortable 3-0 victory over West Ham in the Premier League on Tuesday night, thanks to Thiago Silva’s opener followed by a second-half brace from Tammy Abraham.
The Blues have had the upper hand over the Gunners in recent years, having lost just two of their last 17 meetings against them in the Premier League. Arsenal are currently languishing at 15th in the standings after a dismal start to the season and Chelsea will be hopeful of coming away with another positive result to close the gap on their top-four rivals.
Lampard has serious doubts over the availability of some of his key players heading into the Boxing Day trip to Arsenal. Ben Chilwell could miss the game after twisting his ankle against West Ham while Reece James is yet to recover from his knee injury. Hakim Ziyech has missed the last four games with a thigh injury and remains doubtful to play a part on Saturday.
The Senegalese shot-stopper has proven himself to be an excellent addition to the Blues’ ranks this season and should retain his position between the sticks.
The skipper hasn’t been a regular starter in the PL this season but he looked solid against West Ham and should continue if James doesn’t make it to the teamsheet.
The Frenchman has excelled as an undisputed starter at the back in the ongoing campaign and Lampard should continue to back him.
The veteran has reminded that age is just a number with a string of impressive displays at the heart of Chelsea’s defence. He could well be a key player for the club at the weekend.
The Italy international came in as a substitute against West Ham and could get a rare start in the high-octane weekend clash if Chilwell doesn’t recover in time.
The World Cup winner has shown signs of returning to his sparkling best after being reinstated in a central role in Lampard’s three-man midfield. He should definitely start against Arsenal on Saturday.
The Germany international is yet to justify his lofty price-tag but Lampard needs to keep faith in his abilities.
The academy graduate has taken his game to a new level this season and remains a key cog in Chelsea’s engine room with his creativity and work rate.
The former RB Leipzig marksman has suffered a dip in form and will be expected to rise to the occasion when the Blues visit Arsenal on Boxing Day.
The United States star has looked really sharp following his return from injury. He could well be a difference-maker for the Blues on Saturday.
The Blues graduate grabbed his opportunity with both hands with a brace against West Ham in the last game and should retain his place in the starting XI.