In his very first game in charge of Chelsea, Frank Lampard was undone by a late goal against Irish side Bohemians as the game ended 1-1. The Blues will play the second and final game of their Irish tour on 13 July against St. Patrick’s Athletic, before they embark on a trip to Japan, before returning back to Europe ahead of their opening round fixture against Manchester United in the Premier League.
Lampard fielded a young team against Bohemians, with the likes of Willy Caballero, César Azpilicueta, Danny Drinkwater, Pedro and Michy Batshuayi being the only senior players to start the game, while more senior players were introduced in the second half of the match. But Lampard revealed that more senior players could feature in the second friendly match in Ireland on Saturday. The likes of Mateo Kovacic, Olivier Giroud, David Luiz, Jorginho and Kepa Arrizabalaga could all return for the second match against St. Patrick’s Athletic.
Goalkeeper
In the first match, experienced Argentine goalkeeper Willy Caballero started the game, but we could see the return of Chelsea’s No. 1 Kepa Arrizabalaga against St. Patrick’s.
Defence
Azpilicueta and Marc Guehi started as the centre-back pairing against Bohemians, but we could see David Luiz play the next match alongside Andreas Christensen, while Ethan Ampadu could also play at centre-back, moving from the defensive midfield role that he played against Bohemians. Dujon Sterling could play another game at right-back, while Emerson could start at left-back.
Midfield
Danny Drinkwater got a rare start in midfield in Lampard’s first game and he could get another opportunity after not featuring last season under Maurizio Sarri at all. He could play alongside one of N’Golo Kante, Jorginho, Ross Barkley or Mateo Kovacic, who are all available for Lampard. Lampard could maybe pair Drinkwater with Kante and bring on Kovacic or Jorginho in the second half.
Lampard played a 4-2-3-1 system in the first game, and if he continues to play that system, Mason Mount, who was with him at Derby County last season, could play behind the striker.
Attack
Michy Batshuayi got a start in the first game and scored a goal; he could continue in the striker’s role. Highly-rated youngster Izzy Brown could start from the left, while Pedro could once again play from the right as Chelsea’s other wingers, Christian Pulisic and Willian, have not yet returned from their post-season break.
