Chelsea face Red Bull Salzburg on the road in their forthcoming pre-season friendly. The Blues have picked up momentum with positive results against Barcelona and Reading where they have impressed with their scoring and Frank Lampard will be hoping for more of the same against the Austrian champions.
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Predicted Lineup:
Kepa Arrizalaga was left on the bench during the recent 4-3 friendly triumph over Reading but he should definitely start in goal against Salzburg given he needs more minutes under his belt ahead of the new season.
At the back, Lampard is likely to opt for a complete reshuffle from the opening 45 minutes of the Reading clash. Cesar Azpilicueta and Emerson should take up the right and left-back roles with Kurt Zouma accompanying David Luiz in the central defensive department.
In the midfield, Jorginho and Mateo Kovacic are undoubtedly the best options available and Lampard may consider offering them with extended stints against Salzburg, considering they could be the pair starting the season opener with N’Golo Kante yet to return to full training.
In the attack, Mason Mount should be restored to the lineup after a game-changing brace against Reading. He should feature in the number 10 role and he could be flanked by Christian Pulisic and Pedro either side of him.
Upfront, Tammy Abraham may get the opportunity to start this game ahead of both Olivier Giroud and Michy Batshuayi. The young marksman grabbed an assist in the previous friendly versus Reading.
Predicted XI: Kepa Arrizabalaga, Cesar Azpilicueta, Kurt Zouma, David Luiz, Emerson, Mateo Kovacic, Jorginho, Pedro, Mason Mount, Christian Pulisic, Tammy Abraham
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