Premier League

Kepa to start? - How Chelsea could line-up against West Brom

The arrival of the new goalkeeper could spell the end for the Spaniard, whose poor form has continued into this season

 
1:00pm on Saturday 26th September 2020
By
Martin Macdonald

Chelsea's starting XI has been one of the most difficult to predict this season due to the multitude of options available to Frank Lampard.

But it looks clear that with the arrival of Edouard Mendy from Rennes this week, arriving on a £22m deal, that Kepa's time as No. 1 is over, but Lampard confirmed that the player hadn't trained and so he might keep his place for one more week.

Options are available across all of the back four; Reece James is likely to retain his spot at right-back, but Cesar Azpilicueta could come in at left-back in place of Marcos Alonso, only if Ben Chilwell, who was on the bench in the League Cup against Barnsley in midweek, still isn't ready.

In the centre, Thiago Silva could make his first start, with Kurt Zouma likely partnering him, with Andreas Christensen suspended following his red card against Liverpool.

In midfield, once again, it's difficult to second-guess Lampard. He will probably retain a three of N'Golo Kante, Jorginho and Mateo Kovacic, but there are other options available.

Up front, Kai Havertz's excellent hat-trick against Barnsley locks in his starting position, with Timo Werner arriving on the left once again.

The former Leverkusen star could feature in the number 10 role if Tammy Abraham is given a start up top, as the pair linked up superbly in the win over Burnley.

On the right there are options. Hakim Ziyech is likely to miss out again with injury, while Lampard still doesn't seem sure on Callum Hudson-Odoi, and his appreciation of Mason Mount remains high, so he is likely to retain his position.

Ross Barkley and Ruben Loftus-Cheek, meanwhile, have both been linked with loan moves away, with Aston Villa interested.

Chelsea predicted XI v West Brom:

Chelsea v West Brom - Football tactics and formations

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