Frank Lampard has a number of tactical options available to him this weekend, and now that the international fixtures are over, he can start counting the bodies and see who is available.
The main question marks will be in the midfield, with N’Golo Kante and Mateo Kovacic both missing time for their countries after minor knocks picked up in the last few days. Jorginho still seems good to go, and Mason Mount can play in the midfield 3 as well. So assuming one of those two doubts is ready, Frank Lampard can continue with the 433 he’s favoured in recent games.
Ross Barkley can also come in to that three on the back of a productive game for England.
However a back three is a pertinent option for Frank too. If he feels he wants to exploit the wide areas more and is under-manned in the middle, he could put Mount on the left wing, play just Jorginho and Barkley as the midfield two, then add a centre back to the mix.
That would allow Marcos Alonso and Cesar Azpilicueta to start higher up the pitch and really threaten a stodgy Newcastle side.
Once again, Chelsea will be reaping the rewards of Frank’s flexibility this weekend.
