Back to the drawing board: How should Chelsea line up against Arsenal?

Not much time to wallow in our self-pity after the latest home defeat, as a trip to the Emirates looms just 72 hours after the final whistle at the Bridge.

Fortunately, it’s not a very long trip, nor are Arsenal in tremendous form, but as we’ve seen all too clearly, opponents’ form hardly matters these days. In fact, the worst they play leading up a Chelsea match, the better they end up playing against us. And the Gunners also have a new manager, in what will be his first home game, to give them that extra bounce.

Chelsea’s inconsistencies, both in terms of personnel and tactics, were laid bare on Thursday, and Lampard’s task will not be helped by the latest ankle injury to Reece James (hopefully not the same ankle as the one he had surgery on this summer) and the minor knocks to both Marcos Alonso and César Azpilicueta. Alonso’s was severe enough that he even missed yesterday’s game — Azpi soldiered through in a disappointing performance (from him and the team as well).

On the plus side, Mateo Kovačić will be back from his suspension. And Lampard was hopeful of having Alonso back as well.

Choose wisely.

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