Ziyech, Kante to start; Pulisic in contention – Predicted Chelsea lineup against Spur

Chelsea are set to be boosted by the return of playmaker Christian Pulisic when they play host to Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday evening.

The Blues will be aiming to replace their local rivals Tottenham Hotspur at the top of the Premier League table when two sides meet at Stamford Bridge this evening.

Chelsea are in good run of form, having secured six consecutive wins in all competitions heading into this game.

They also have no injury concerns whatsoever, giving head coach Frank Lampard the privilege of fielding the strongest possible lineup against Jose Mourinho’s men, who have looked in good touch as well.

In fact, Chelsea have been boosted by the return of playmaker Christian Pulisic this week. Lampard, in his pre-match press conference, has confirmed that the USA international is in contention to start after struggling with fitness during the early parts of the campaign.

‘Whether Christian is ready to start is another question, as it is hard to gauge match fitness when you’ve only been training but he is ready and he is in contention,’ said Lampard.

However, it remains unlikely that Pulisic will start, as we might see the Blues boss striking with the in-form attacking lineup of Hakim Ziyech, Timo Werner and Tammy Abraham.

It essentially means that the former Dortmund star, along with another ex-Bundesliga superstar in Kai Havertz may have to settle for a place on the bench.

There could be one change in midfield too,with N’Golo Kante almost destined to make his return to the starting eleven. The Frenchman is set to replace Jorginho in the number six, while being partnered by the attacking midfield duo of Mason Mount and Mateo Kovacic.

Should Lampard consider starting with Kai Havertz, we might see the German replacing either of these two midfielders, although it will not be surprising to see the former Bayer Leverkusen star only being used as a sub this weekend.

Not too many changes are expected elsewhere, though one could expect Reece James to replace Cesar Azpilicueta at right-back.

The Englishman is set to occupy the full-back positions along with Ben Chilwell while the onus will be on Kurt Zouma and Thiago Silva to prevent the likes of Harry Kane and Son Heung-min from causing trouble in the Chelsea back-line this weekend.

Chelsea Predicted Lineup (4-3-3): Mendy; James, Silva, Zouma, Chilwell; Kovacic, Kante, Mount; Ziyech, Abraham, Werner

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