How Chelsea could line up against Sevilla with Mendy making shock return, Silva back and Ziyech to start
CHELSEA host Sevilla on Tuesday night in their Champions League season opener.
Frank Lampard will likely have one eye on Saturday’s huge Premier League clash with Manchester United.
But the Blues chief will send out his best available XI to take on the reigning Europa League champions at Stamford Bridge.
In a boost for Lampard, Edouard Mendy looks set to return after sitting out the 3-3 draw with Southampton.
Kepa Arrizabalaga started between the sticks for the six-goal thriller – and endured another horror afternoon.
Mendy trained without issue on Sunday and Monday and looks set to reclaim his spot.
CHELSEA NEWS LIVE: Click here for the latest Blues news
Elsewhere, though, Chelsea have a full-strength squad but for young Billy Gilmour, who is likely to miss out until Christmas.
Reece James should reclaim his starting spot at right-back at the expense of Cesar Azpilicueta.
Thiago Silva will return to the XI having missed the Saints draw through jet-lag having been in the Brazil squad during the international break.
Kurt Zouma is set to start alongside the mega-experienced centre-back, with Fikayo Tomori and Andreas Christensen batting him for a place.
Most read in Football
N’Golo Kane and Jorginho will likely continue with their deep-lying midfield pairing for the Sevilla tie.
That will free up Kai Havertz to roam around behind the striker in the No10 spot.
Hakim Ziyech is being tipped to start his first game, having featured off the bench against Southampton.
The ex-Ajax ace could take Christian Pulisic’s spot on the right-wing, with mason Mount continuing his solid form from the left.
It is possible Lampard opts to start BOTH Ziyech and Pulisic, either dropping Mount deeper or even to the bench in a rare axe for the England youngster.
Timo Werner is almost certain to lead the line, with Tammy Abraham and Olivier Giroud providing a boost off the bench if needed.
Chelsea take on Sevilla at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday October 20, with kick-off at 8pm.