Chelsea’s FA Cup third-round tie with Nottingham Forest presents Lampard with the opportunity to give some fringe players a run-out. However, the Blues boss will need to be careful with his selection. Forest are currently fourth in the Championship and pose a real threat.
It won’t be a walk in the park for Chelsea, so the line-up must remain strong. Here is the starting line-up Lampard should name for the FA Cup clash:
Cabellero
After a busy Christmas period, Kepa could do with a rest. The Spaniard was impressive against Brighton last time out, and may well start on the bench against Forest.
Willy Cabellero is the obvious replacement. The veteran Argentine is a strong understudy, one that the Blues can rely on to perform admirably against the Championship side.
Lamptey Christensen Guehi Emerson
Tariq Lamptey deserves another try on the right side of the defence after an impressive cameo in the 2-1 win against Arsenal.
The centre-back partnership is likely to be one of relative inexperience. Marc Guehi could make just his third senior appearance for the club and should line up alongside Andreas Christensen. The Dane has fallen out of favour this season but deserves a chance to impress on Sunday.
Ian Maatsen is in with a shout for a start. However, some experience at the back could be needed against a dangerous Forest side. Emerson would certainly provide this and with Alonso out injured, is likely to get the nod.
Jorginho Barkley Kovacic
Jorginho and Kovacic will provide some much-needed experience in the middle of the pitch. The pair have developed an impressive understanding this season and will be key if the Blues are to progress against Sabri Lamouchi’s side.
Lampard should consider picking Ross Barkley as the final man in the midfield three. The Englishman has not started for some time and has proven effective against lower league opposition in the past.
Hudson-Odoi Batshuayi Pulisic
After a couple of games out of the side, Pulisic deserves another chance to regain his form against Forest.
Hudson-Odoi should start on the other side of the front three. The 19-year-old has struggled since returning from an achilles injury and this game presents him with the perfect opportunity to refind his magic touch.
Belgian striker Michy Batshuayi could spearhead the attack. The 26-year-old scored a hat-trick in the League Cup tie against Forest in 2017 and will be keen to prove himself if given the opportunity.
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