‘Unpredictable’ is perhaps the right word to describe Chelsea at the moment. They have fought hard and won against some of the biggest sides in the league, and have lost without a fight against the comparatively weaker sides. One day up and the other way down – this has been their track record in this season’s Premier League. But if a Chelsea fan would have known that their side will be in top four halfway through the season, he would probably have been happy.
Frank Lampard has done a great job with the limited options at his disposal in his very first season at Chelsea. Players like Tammy Abraham, Mason Mount and Fikayo Tomori are regular names in the Chelsea lineup nowadays. If only they become a bit more consistent, Chelsea will certainly be a class apart.
However, the match tonight is not one where only three points are at stake. A win against Arsenal it the London derby will mean that Chelsea will get the bragging rights to claim ‘London is blue.’
Chelsea won the last game against Arsenal by a margin of 2-1.
Chelsea team news
The Blues do not have many injuries to deal with. Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Marco Van Ginkel are the long-term absentees, whereas Christian Pulisic will still require a couple of weeks to get fit.
Reece James is nursing a minor knee injury. The right-back is expected to be fit for Tuesday though.
Predicted Chelsea lineup against Arsenal (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper
Kepa Arrizabalaga is having a rough time in goal this season. However, he is Lampard’s number one choice and is expected to feature in the Chelsea lineup tonight.
Defenders
Lampard is unlikely to change the backline that conceded a late goal against Newcastle United.
Reece James is expected to be deployed at right-back, provided he makes it through a late fitness test. Skipper Cesar Azpilicueta is likely to play at left-back in that case.
Antonio Rudiger is expected to pair up with Andreas Christensen in the centre.
Midfielders
Lampard is expected to switch to a 4-3-3 formation, from his at times used 4-2-3-1.
N’Golo Kante is expected to play on the right-hand side with Mateo Kovacic on the opposite side.
Jorginho will look to control the tempo of this crucial fixture from a slightly withdrawn position in the middle of the pitch.
Forwards
With Pulisic injured, Lampard doesn’t have a lot of options. He is expected to give Callum Hudson-Odoi a rest. Willian is expected to play as the right-winger, while Mason Mount might be the left-winger, from where his work rate will come into play.
Tammy Abraham is expected to be the main target man in the Chelsea lineup.
