Duo ruled out as Lampard makes 2 changes | Expected Chelsea line-up vs Southampton

Chelsea get back to Premier League action when they take on Southampton at St Mary’s on Sunday afternoon. Here is the team we expect Frank Lampard to select for the game:

Goalkeeper: I don’t see any reason to spend too long deliberating over who’ll start in goal as Kepa Arrizabalaga is certain to keep his place with Willy Caballero once again named on the bench.

Defence: Lampard played a back three/five during the win over Lille on Wednesday night but the Chelsea boss is expected to revert to a flat back four this weekend. Cesar Azpilicueta is expected to start at right-back meaning Reece James is the man most likely to make way despite his solid Champions League debut in midweek.

Antonio Rudiger remains out with a groin injury but Andreas Christensen is set for a recall after being named on the bench against Lille. Kurt Zouma is set to make way with Christensen starting alongside Fikayo Tomori – who’ll be looking to celebrate his call-up to the senior England squad.

Emerson Palmeiri is still unavailable for selection as he continues to recover from a thigh injury so Marcos Alonso should start at left-back this weekend having enjoyed a stint at left wing-back in midweek.

Midfield: N’Golo Kante came through the Lille game unscathed after recovering from an ankle injury and Lampard says he’ll make a late decision over whether to risk the Frenchman again on Sunday. However, Kante is a vital player for Chelsea so I think we’ll see him starting at Southampton.

Jorginho is certain to keep his place at the heart of the Chelsea midfield and Mateo Kovacic could be recalled after being named on the bench against Lille. Ross Barkley wasn’t named in the squad on Wednesday night so he’ll be hoping for a recall at St Mary’s.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek is stepping-up his recovery from an Achilles injury but the midfielder remains out this weekend.

Attack: Willian was the Chelsea hero in the Champions League as he scored the winner during the 2-1 win in France so he’ll be hoping he’s done enough to keep his place. Pedro and Callum Hudson-Odoi are pushing for recalls if Lampard decides to freshen things up but I think Willian will keep his place.

Christian Pulisic was left out on Wednesday and he’s struggling to make an impression under Lampard so it will be interesting to see whether the United States international is involved this weekend. However, a place on the bench is the best he can hope for.

Tammy Abraham was on the scoresheet against Lille and he should keep his place up front meaning Olivier Giroud and Michy Batshuayi will have to settle for places among the substitutes.

Mason Mount is back to full fitness and came through the Lille game after recently recovering from a knock so the England international should continue in the Chelsea attack after becoming a key player under Lampard this season.

Here is how we think Chelsea will line-up: