What Chelsea XI vs Brighton may look like in comparison with opening fixture from last season

 

Manchester United XI vs Chelsea at Old Trafford on August 11, 2019 - Frank Lampard's first game in charge at his old club..

Chelsea's XI: Kepa, Azpilicueta, Zouma, Christensen, Emerson, Kovacic, Jorginho, Mount, Pedro, Abraham, Barkley.

Possible Chelsea XI vs Brighton on September 14, 2020, at the Amex Stadium.

Kepa, Chilwell, Silva, Zouma, Azpilicueta, Kante, Kovacic, Havertz, Pulisic, Ziyech, Werner.

A possible total of 7 (!!) changes is very possible and 5 of them - Havertz, Chilwell, Silva, Werner and Ziyech will be making their Chelsea debut if Lampard goes ahead with this team.

Of course, there could certain variations to it depending on Lampard's tactical plan and player availability - it is also likely that we sign a Kepa replacement in the coming weeks. But let's stick to this one.

Mount and Reece James will be on the bench and can play an integral squad role, whereas the future of last season's regulars Abraham and Jorginho remain uncertain. Pedro has left Chelsea, and we can expect not to see Barkley in the starting XI any time soon!

Azpilicueta should get the nod ahead of James since the former is the captain of the team, whereas Zouma will retain his starting centre-back spot ahead of the likes of Christensen and Rudiger who are not good enough to start for the Blues.

The focus is on the insane firepower we have up front - Havertz should combine terrifically with national teammate Timo Werner, whereas Ziyech and Pulisic will create havoc on both the flanks with their pace, dribbling ability and creativity.

The biggest what-if, as aforementioned, is whether or not we will say Kepa start. It could well be Willy Caballero for all we know or someone like Edouard Mendy who has been linked heavily with the Blues. Time will tell us what happens to Chelsea's goalkeeping position.

In summation, we will say just this - when you talk about a glow-up, this is the kind of progress that comes to mind!

Source: Tribuna.com

Chelsea

Kepa Arrizabalaga

K. Havertz

T. Werner

Silva, Thiago

Emerson

Azpilicueta

K. Zouma

A. Christensen

Kovacic, Mateo

Jorginho

M. Mount

Abraham, Tammy

R. Barkley

H. Ziyech

C. Pulisic

Chilwell, Benjamin

Kante, N'Golo

R. James

W. Caballero

Mendy, Edouard

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