Chelsea Lineup Under Lampard Next Season

Blues chiefs could turn to the legendary Stamford Bridge star in a bid to start afresh with a host of talented youngsters

SPECULATION continues to mount that Chelsea could turn to Frank Lampard in a bid to rescue the club from the clutches of Maurizio Sarri.

The Blues finished third in the table and also have a Europa League Final to look forward to next week.

Speculation is mounting that Frank Lampard will be returning to Chelsea as manager next season

This is how the Blues could line-up next season with their ex-midfielder in charge

But disgruntled fans are not happy with the Italian or his tactics – and most would love nothing more than to see their former hero in the dug-out.

Lampard has a huge game on the horizon himself as he stands on the verge of leading Derby County to the Premier League in just his first season as a manager.

The Rams take on Aston Villa at Wembley on Monday, but even if his side do emerge triumphant, the lure of Stamford Bridge could prove too strong to resist.

And he would bring with him another former Blues ace, Jody Morris, who is his No2 at the Championship outfit.

A brave new era - albeit somewhat enforced by the transfer ban - could prove to be the best thing for the club since Roman Abramovich took over.

After all, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Ethan Ampadu are just three of the talented youngsters on the books.

But with the looming transfer ban, Eden Hazard’s expected departure to Real Madrid and long-term injuries to Loftus-Cheek and Hudson-Odoi, Chelsea may have to turn to their huge loan army for reinforcements.

And Lampard already knows some of them well, and here’s how they could line-up next season if he takes over the helm:

Frank Lampard passionately celebrates Derby's win over Leeds

GOALKEEPER

Kepa Arrizabalaga

AFTER splashing £71.6million on Kepa last summer, there's no chance Chelsea would sell now - not with no ability to bring in a replacement.

For next season, Lampard is likely to keep faith with the Spaniard, despite occasionally going from the sublime to the ridiculous in a matter of moments.

DEFENCE

Cesar Azpilicueta, Fikayo Tomori, Antonio Rudiger, Jay Dasilva

Despite some dodgey displays, Azpilicueta appears to be part of the furniture at the Bridge and he should keep his place alongside Rudiga after his impressive campaign.

As for the left-back spot, Marcos Alonso and Emerson have failed to inspire this season under Sarri.

However, Jay Dasilva – who has just shone on a season-long loan at Bristol City - looks to have more than enough potential to slot in and help lead Chelsea into their youthful new era.

In the heart of defence, Tomori is likely to get the nod over Ampadu - if for no other reason than for his first-team experience.

Tomori has been superb all season playing for Lampard's Derby and is almost certainly ready for his Premier League bow.

MIDFIELD

Mason Mount, N'Golo Kante, Ross Barkley

WITH Sarri gone and Lampard in, Kante will finally be able to slip into his natural position patrolling the back-four in a central, defensive midfield role.

This season, he's been shunted onto the right of a midfield trio to accommodate Jorginho - and despite the Italian's solid form lately, he's not in Kante's league.

Mason Mount is another who has proved he is ready for a shot in the top-flight while on loan at Derby.

A dynamic, powerful, attack-minded pairing of him and Barkley either side of Kante looks to be a scary trio.

FORWARDS

Willian, Tammy Abraham, Christian Pulisic

HOW about this for a front three?

With Hazard gone, January buy Pulisic slots in on the left-side of the attacking trio, with Willian continuing his role in the absence of the Belgian.

The big question is who will lead the attack. Gonzalo Higuain will not be there, so that leaves Olivier Giroud as the most experienced frontman on the books.

But Tammy Abraham has shone again in the Championship at Aston Villa over the past few months, and most supporters would love to see the towering England international given a chance as No.9.

Frank Lampard set to take over as Chelsea's new manager, according to reports in Italy