Chelsea fans have vented their frustration at Frank Lampard and his team selection ahead of the game against Brentford on Wednesday night. After one week to prepare following a free weekend, the interim boss chose to field just one orthodox attacker.
Raheem Sterling was selected as the main source of penetration whilst Conor Gallagher and N'Golo Kante got the nod over an assortment of expensively assembled attackers all left on the bench. With no Kai Havertz, Lampard left both Joao Felix and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang as substitutes.
Cesar Azpilicueta returned to wing-back for his first appearance in two months following concussion and injury. Both Reece James and Mason Mount have been ruled out for most of the remainder of the season with injury.
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In what is likely to be a 3-4-3 with Gallagher and Kante either side of Sterling in a high-pressing side, the Blues have a distinct lack of goals on the pitch and fans were keen to see the back of selections like this.
Although Mauricio Pochettino is close to being appointed as the new head coach he is not expected to be at SW6 for the game, as football.london reported. It has left fans with little to be positive about.
Here's how social media responded to the team news:
@sazio1984: Please get Pochettino in NOW as this lineup STINKS.
@willreyner: That is the worst chelsea team I’ve ever seen not even joking
@BC_Owen1: Lampard needs his UEFA licence revoked
@Ziyechman:This is the worst line up in Chelsea's history.
@Ace12Adam: Yeah no we’re losing 9-0
@Louis_Beneventi: This line-up feels defeatist. One attacker on the field and no real sign of creativity anywhere. Worrying.
@TheGrandDam: On a very serious note, what on earth is Lampard playing at? Like no seriously, what is that line up? Like genuinely? That’s incredibly ridiculous I’m sorry. Mirrors the Madrid game but we quite clearly didn’t have a way to break them down. Plus it’s at home against Brentford
@ManHandledCFC: Disgraceful lineup despite saying with chest that our season isn’t over. Joke.
@siphillipssport: Six attackers on the bench, one on the field. Honestly, just get Poch in now FFS. Absolute disgrace of a lineup and subs bench, even if we get something out of this. Bench still full of players we are going to sell. Absolute joke.
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