EPL: Lampard returns to drawing board for Palace coup

Frank Lampard’s Chelsea will be shifting their attention to the Premier League this weekend, following an entertaining 4-4 draw against Ajax in the Champions League on Tuesday night.

The Blues are currently fourth on the standings after 11 matches, and are on a good run, racking up five consecutive wins in the League.

They host another London rival in Crystal Palace at the Bridge, and following the dramatic draw, Lampard will be forced to make a number of changes to the starting lineup.

Jorginho is suspended for the match following his fifth yellow card of the season last time out against Watford, and as such, will miss the Saturday clash.

Lampard will, however, be pleased to have N’Golo Kante back in the side, following weeks on the sideline with a niggling foot injury.

He was highly expected to start the match against Ajax in midweek, but Lampard left him out as they observed him further.

But with few other options in the middle of the park, the Frenchman will come in alongside the impressive Mateo Kovacic.

Mason Mount lasted an hour in their Champions League match before he was withdrawn with a suspected ankle injury.

He might be out of the match entirely, but Chelsea will be happy to recall Hudson-Odoi, who made an impactful second-half appearance against the Dutch side on Tuesday.

With Christian Pulisic and Willian, The Blues have enough creative spark upfront, and can deal with Mount’s absence.

Alonso endured a long night against Ajax, and Frank Lampard hurled him out at half-time, bringing Reece James at right-back and forcing Cezar Azpilicueta to move to left-back.

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Emerson has struggled with injuries, giving the Spaniard some game time both in the League and Europe. But with the Italian fit again, he will walk back into his left-back spot, with Alonso most likely dropping to the bench.