Chelsea suffered a 3-1 loss to Everton in the Premier League but they have no time to ponder over this defeat as they dive straight back into Europe.
The Blues play their final group game of the Champions League this week when they welcome bottom-placed Lille to Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea’s last match was a 2-2 draw against Valencia meaning they still have a lot of work to do in order to secure qualification to the knockout stages.
As things stand, the London outfit will have to ensure a win in order to settle the nerves but anything other than that and their fans will be eagerly waiting to see the outcome of the Ajax v Valencia match.
Chelsea team news vs Lille:
Kepa Arizzabalaga was really poor against Everton and there have been whispers about Lampard wanting to drop him to the bench.
But we don’t think the manager will take such a gamble, especially during a crucial Champions League tie.
Antonio Rudiger is trying really hard to make himself fit before the Lille game but the defender has a very slender chance of playing which means Lampard will once again have to rely on the pairing of Tomori and Kurt Zouma to do the job.
Reece James could be given a rest as Cesar Azpilicueta comes into the line-up to play on the right-hand side of defence meaning Emerson should be given a nod to start on the left.
Ross Barkley remained an unused sub during the weekend but the England international could get a first-team start in midweek meaning either Mateo Kovacic or N’Golo Kante will have to make way.
And the kind of form Kovacic is, we think it will be Kante who will have to make the sacrifice.
Games will now be coming thick and fast meaning Lampard will surely be looking to make a few rotations whenever and wherever he can.
And keeping this in mind we think Christian Pulisic might be given a much-deserved rest vs Lille as Callum Hudson-Odoi comes into the starting XI.
Willian has been in good form lately and the Brazilian is expected to keep his place in midweek.
Tammy Abraham looked to have hurt his hip once again during the Everton match but after the on-pitch treatment, he was moving ok which means he should be fit enough to start up front.
Chelsea’s predicted XI vs Lille:
Starting XI: Kepa Arizzabalaga; Tomori, Kurt Zouma, Emerson, Azpilicueta; Jorginho, Kante/Barkley, Mateo Kovacic; Hudson-Odoi, Tammy Abraham, Willian.
Injury updates via Premier Injuries.
