Fans’ choice Chelsea lineup against Liverpool: Pulisic’s full debut?

With the weekend’s disappointing defeat in the past, Chelsea will look to give a better account of themselves against Liverpool in the UEFA Super Cup. The Champions League winners are even harder opposition than Manchester United, so Frank Lampard will have to make a few tough decision with his lineup, especially with a must-win home opener looming on Sunday as well.

THE PREDICTED LINEUP

We’re not quite familiar with Lampard’s rotation patterns just yet, but it’s safe to say Kepa Arrizabalaga starts in goal.

The game comes a bit too early for Antonio Rüdiger, and way too early for Reece James, so I’d expect Lampard to rotate the one player who does have an immediate and obvious backup and keep the rest of the starters the same from Sunday.

It’s a similar story in midfield, where N’Golo Kanté’s new (but minor) injury probably keeps him on the bench and gives both Jorginho and Mateo Kovačić the chance to start once again.

Olivier Giroud should get the chance to start up front, with either Ross Barkley or Mason Mount behind him. On the wings, with Willian confirmed for bench duty, I believe we’ll be seeing Christian Pulisic and Pedro, with the latter getting a chance to redeem himself from Sunday’s debacle.

(Ed.note: All this goes out the window if Lampard decides to chuck this game to wind and just play all the backups and fringe players.)

4-2-3-1
Arrizabalaga | Alonso, Zouma, Christensen, Azpilicueta (c) | Jorginho, Kovačić | Pulisic, Mount, Pedro | Giroud

THE PEOPLE’S CHOICE

After the certainty of the weekend, the WAGNH community is a lot more divided in terms of a starting lineup. That said, all but Tammy Abraham (36%) retain their starting spots, but with Tomori (32%), Alonso (36%), Batshuayi (22%), and a barely fit Willian (19%), all making strong inroads. Mason Mount (53%) loses out to Barkley, but does win more votes than any of the three strikers. It’s unclear if Lampard would consider not going with a recognized striker however, so for now, Mount drops to the bench.

4-2-3-1 (71%)
Arrizabalaga (93%) | Emerson (69%), Zouma (63%), Christensen (94%), Azpilicueta (85%) | Jorginho (71%), Kovačić (72%) | Pulisic (91%), Barkley (58%), Pedro (60%) | Giroud (48%)

MY PREFERRED LINEUP

I know Kanté picked up that minor injury, but I’m absolutely desperate to see him finally return to the starting lineup, so I’m putting my faith in him. Also, I’d prefer Mount ahead of Barkley. Otherwise, I’m completely on board with the community’s choices, though mostly due to a lack of alternatives.

4-2-3-1
Arrizabalaga | Emerson, Zouma, Christensen, Azpilicueta | Jorginho, Kanté | Pulisic, Mount, Pedro | Giroud

COME ON YOU BLUES!!!