What chelsea must do to get back in form

Lampard must select players based on form, not price tag

Much has been made about Chelsea’s starting XIs recently, but one thing is certain and that’s the fact Frank Lampard needs to start disregarding price tags.

After suffering a humiliating 3-1 defeat to Arsenal on Boxing Day, Chelsea probably won’t be challenging for the Premier League title this season. The team is simply not consistent enough to compete with the other top clubs, specifically Liverpool, and that is not going to change by May. The Blues can look like the most prolific side in England when they are at their best, but until they play their best week-in and week-out, they don’t stand much of a chance.

A big issue for Chelsea in recent weeks has been Frank Lampard’s team selection. It seems as though he doesn’t have a real plan when it comes to the starting XI and substitutions. These decisions, especially against the Gunners, have been perplexing to say the least. This is not to say that Lampard should be sacked, because he shouldn’t be, but he needs to take some responsibility for the Blues’ poor form.

The starting XI Frank Lampard needs to use in 2021 to get season back on track

Chelsea's recent Premier League form has been rather concerning.

The Blues have lost three of their last four games in the English top-flight, the club's latest defeat coming at the hands of London rivals Arsenal on Boxing Day.

Frank Lampard's side were the big favourites going into the match, but were deservedly beaten 3-1 by the Gunners.

It means the Blues are outside of the top four going into their final game of 2020 against in-form Aston Villa.

Something needs to change if Chelsea are going to see off Dean Smith's side at Stamford Bridge and proceed to get their season back on track in 2021.

One thing that Lampard can - and must - do is make major changes to his starting XI, as it's evident his current blueprint is not cut out to mix it with the very best and challenge for major honours.

But there is serious potential in Chelsea's squad, which there should be after spending £200m+ in the summer transfer window.

Formation: 4-2-3-1

XI: Edouard Mendy, Reece James, Kurt Zouma, Thiago Silva, Ben Chilwell, Mason Mount, N'Golo Kante, Callum Hudson-Odoi, Hakim Ziyech, Christian Pulisic, Timo Werner.

The back five picks itself, but it's further forward where we're proposing major changes to the Chelsea XI.