Hakim Ziyech starts, Tammy Abraham replaces Timo Werner and Kai Havertz benched as Chelsea face Krasnodar in the Champions League

2 months ago 34

After a wet and miserable 0-0 draw with Manchester United on Saturday, the warmer climes of Krasnodar in Russia await for Chelsea.

The Blues will face the Russians and now, theoretically, the game should be their best chance of victory away from home.

It was grim at Old Trafford for Chelsea

Frank Lampard, though, must also begin to rotate some of his squad as they hit a relentless run of fixtures.

Having drawn three times already in the Premier League, their next game against Burnley can’t be considered easy, so it may be in their Champions League clash with Krasnodar – which you can hear live on talkSPORT 2 – where he opts to give some fringe stars a chances.

Timo Werner and Kai Havertz have been almost ever-present so far this season and now may be the only time they can get some semblance of rest.

It may also be the perfect time for Hakim Ziyech to get his first start.

As shown by Chelsea’s display against United, the Blues may have a plethora of attacking talent but getting the ball into the right areas remains a challenge.

If anyone can rectify the issue, it’s the Moroccan creator.

In his final two campaigns with Ajax, Ziyech managed 22 assists in 50 Eredivisie appearances and showed his pedigree on the biggest stage with stellar performances in the Champions League.

A fine showing on Wednesday night in the same competition would be the perfect way to kick-start his time in west London.

Meanwhile, Tammy Abraham could also fancy his chances at showing what manager Lampard is missing by starting German forward Werner ahead of him.

Ziyech could make his first start for his new clubGetty Images - Getty

Abraham and Chelsea’s £47.6m summer signing are different players stylistically and the young Englishman might just prove to be better at sniffing out penalty area chances than his team-mates.

If he’s going to prove it, there is no time like the present with Lampard keen to keep his squad fresh.

One position which is unlikely to be rotated is at goalkeeper with Edouard Mendy impressing so far and Kepa Arrizabalaga doubtful with a shoulder issue.

We could see Thiago Silva given a rest with Andreas Christensen back into the team to partner Kurt Zouma.

Meanwhile, Ben Chilwell and Reece James could be at full-back with Marcos Alonso suspended.