How Chelsea could line up vs Barcelona with Giroud likely to be given chance to impress up front – The Sun

FRANK LAMPARD faces his sternest test as Chelsea manager when the Blues face Spanish champions Barcelona in Japan.

Following a draw with Bohemians, victory against St Patrick’s and an embarrassing defeat at the hands of Kawasaki Frontale it has been a mixed start for the new Stamford Bridge boss.

With plenty of experimenting and changes made between players and formations, Chelsea are lined up with their most telling test tomorrow.

Adopting a 4-2-3-1, diamond and 4-3-3 look to his squad so far in pre-season, Lampard is expected to start with what he believes is his strongest side and structure available.

Keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga could make his first start of the summer, having missed out on the last game through illness, though he was scheduled to play.

David Luiz, who extended his Stamford Bridge deal this summer, has started in the Blues last two games, with Kurt Zouma and Christensen both partnering the Brazilian.

Antonio Rudiger is expected to return from injury in September – leaving competition to fill the role next to Luiz.

Following Lampard’s praise of Zouma, revealing he wants the Frenchman to remain in London this season, the 24-year-old could be given the nod against Barca.

At left-back Emerson has rotated with Marcos Alonso in the last two games both starting and coming off the bench.

With Alonso the main left-back last season, Lampard could opt to start with the Spaniard tomorrow, and having done the same against Kawasaki Frontale.

Skipper Cesar Azpilicueta is expected to start ahead of Davide Zappacosta at right-back.

FORMATION CHANGE

Whether Lampard chooses a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 formation, Jorginho, Kovacic and Mason Mount, all starters in the last game, could play from the off against Barcelona.

Though Ross Barkley and Tiemoue Bakayoko could fit in both formations.

Mount and Barkley would likely come in as No10’s in the 4-2-3-1 set up.

Striker Olivier Giroud is expected to make his first start of the season, having made a 45 minute appearance against Kawasaki Frontale.

Christian Pulisic was given 30 minutes to impress in the same game, but could start against Barca – and for the first time in his Chelsea career, with ex-Nou Camp man Pedro on the other wing.

Pulisic is also an option to play as the No10, but with Willian still resting, Kenedy would be the other wideman with Pedro.

Wildcard possibilities for Lampard would see Michy Batshuayi partner Giroud or Tammy Abraham up top in the diamond formation, but the latter was ruled out of the last match through illness.

One of Lampard's biggest decisions this year is who will lead the line – with all three options boasting differing scoring ratios.

Starting either Jorginho, Bakayoko, Kovacic, Mount or Barkley as part of a four man diamond is likely if Lampard chooses the set up.

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