Frank Lampard will take charge of his first game as Chelsea manager on Wednesday as the Blues take on Irish outfit Bohemians in their first pre-season friendly of the summer.
The former Derby boss was announced as Maurizio Sarri’s successor earlier this month after having a successful debut season as a manager in guiding the Rams to the play-off final.
Lampard’s appointment was greeted with widespread positivity amongst supporters, who are looking forward to seeing how the Chelsea legend implements his style on the squad and helps to develop the best young players at the club.
Ahead of the 2019/20 campaign, we’ve taken a look at how we think the Blues could line up under Lampard next season.
The former midfielder predominantly favoured a 4-3-3 system during his time in charge of Derby, and we’ve based our prediction on the basis that this is the formation he will use going forwards with Chelsea.
GK - Kepa Arrizabalaga
Kepa impressed during his debut season for the Blues, and the Spaniard will no doubt be Lampard’s first choice next season.
RB - Cesar Azpilicueta
Azpilicueta has been a consistent figure for the Blues over the years, and he’ll likely be Lampard’s first choice in the league and in Europe next season.
CB - Antonio Rudiger
Rudiger was one of Chelsea’s best players last season and looks set to be fit for the start of the 2019/20 campaign.
The Germany international could be a key figure for Lampard at the back.
CB - Kurt Zouma
The spot alongside Rudiger could be up for grabs next season, with the likes of Zouma, Andreas Christensen, David Luiz and Fikayo Tomori all capable of playing alongside the German.
Zouma had a fine campaign on loan with Everton last season, however, and the Frenchman could get the nod under Lampard.
LB - Emerson
Emerson impressed when given the chance last season, and is expected to be Lampard’s first choice for the 2019/20 campaign.
RCM - Ross Barkley
Barkley could flourish under Lampard’s guidance next season, in what could be a big campaign for the England international.
CM - N'Golo Kante
Despite adapting to a more advanced role in Sarri’s system last season with aplomb, Kante could be deployed in his favoured and more natural defensive position under Lampard.
LCM - Ruben Loftus-Cheek
Like Barkley, Loftus-Cheek is another who could benefit under Lampard next season, though one of Jorginho, Mason Mount or Mateo Kovacic could start the campaign ahead of the midfielder if he has not fully recovered from his Achilles injury.
RW - Christian Pulisic
Pulisic shone for the United States in this summer’s CONCACAF Gold Cup, with three goals and three assists in six appearances, and the 20-year-old looks set to be a key figure for Lampard next season.
LW - Callum Hudson-Odoi
Another who appears likely to be a key man for Lampard is Hudson-Odoi, who will no doubt flourish under the Chelsea boss upon his return from injury.
Either Willian or Pedro are expected to be used until the 18-year-old is fully fit.
ST - Tammy Abraham
Abraham has already stated his intentions to compete to be Chelsea’s first choice striker next season, and the England Under-21 international will look to hit the ground running under Lampard.
Michy Batshuayi will also be eager to impress, however, and both could be rotated in and out of the side.