Injuries to wingers Hakim Ziyech and Callum Hudson-Odoi have limited Frank Lampard’s attacking options for the final group game of this season’s Champions League, so teenager Faustino Anjorin may well get some game time.
With qualification already assured the Blues boss is keen to rest some of his first-choice players.
The hamstring injuries to two of Lampard’s three out-and-out wingers mean he may be slightly more reluctant to push fit-again Christian Pulisic and Kai Havertz.
Pulisic and Havertz are still likely to get starts as they continue to build match sharpness despite the quick turnaround from the 3-1 win over Leeds United, but Anjorin will be among the substitutes and seems likely to feature in the game at some stage.
Striker Timo Werner, who has been playing wide to accommodate Olivier Giroud, may be rested although there is also a temptation to give him a chance to end a five-game scoreless run.
Tammy Abraham seems a good shout to replace Giroud as the main striker and, come what may, Lampard will make full use of his five substitutes to avoid any muscle strains.
Lampard has already confirmed that Kepa Arrizabalaga will start in goal and that Billy Gilmour will take his place in midfield.
Jorginho looks a dead cert to play the holding role and Mateo Kovacic, a sub against Leeds, should be the third-choice midfielder, meaning Havertz and Pulisic playing in support of the main striker.
With plenty of defensive options available a back four of Cesar Aspilicueta, Emerson, Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen is set to get the chance to impress, while Fikayo Tomori is in need of minutes and should get some.
If Lampard decides he want to build Werner’s confidence Havertz could play centrally meaning Kovacic drops to the bench, while youngster Henry Lawrence is another option to come on.
Predicted line-up:
Kepa
Azpilicueta
Emerson
Rudiger
Christensen
Jorginho
Gilmour
Kovacic
Havertz
Abraham
Pulisic
