Despite finishing 3rd in the Premier League and winning a Europa League title, Chelsea Football Club find themselves in a sticky situation. Many managers would be given extensions after successful seasons like the one Maurizio Sarri had last season. However, the Italian was almost pushed out the door to Juventus with the Blues offering minimal resistance to stop his exit. With club legend Frank Lampard now at the helm, Chelsea fans may have to dampen their usually high expectations given the situation Lampard is inheriting.

It’s no secret that Chelsea are set for a difficult season given their transfer ban and weakened squad. Losing star winger Eden Hazard is obviously the major loss, however the inability to add players through transfers has left the Blues looking inward to address their needs. This upcoming season may see increased roles for the likes of Tammy Abraham, Reece James, and Mason Mount. Loan cast-off Michy Batshuayi may also inherit a larger role.

With Lampard coming into the fold, Chelsea will most likely shift away from Maurizio Sarri’s 4-3-3 tactics. In preseason friendlies, Lampard has run the 4-2-3-1 formation in three out of the four matches the Blues have played this season. For this article, I will be lining up Chelsea in the 4-2-3-1 formation.