It doesn't feel that long ago since the end of the 2019/20 Premier League, and now once again it is the return of the Premier League, and the pressure will well and truly be on Frank Lampard to get results this season.
With money gained from the selling of both Eden Hazard and Alvaro Morata as well as other various players it has given Chelsea FC and Marina Granovskaia the scope to splash out on summer signings.
Joining The Blues includes the likes of Kai Havertz, Timo Werner, Ben Chilwell, Thiago Silva and Hakim Ziyech amongst other players.
The opposition
Playing against Graham Potter's Brighton & Hove Albion will not be a walk in the park with a well-drilled defence, and an excellent shot-stopper in Mat Ryan.
Previous meetings go in favour of Chelsea winning 5, drawing 2 and losing only once in a club-friendly dating back all the way to August 2012. More importantly, in Premier League matches The Blues have come out on top.
the recent club friendly resulted in a 1-1 draw between Brighton and Chelsea both Ziyech and Werner looked lively wanting to make an impact, and it wasn't long before Werner got his name on the score sheet. Hudson Odoi looked full of energy also, however it was a lack of defensive discipline which cost Chelsea again conceding a penalty which Pascal Gross scored.
Tactics & Formation
Unfortunately, the task for Lampard on Monday will be that much more difficult with the recent injuries of both Chilwell and Ziyech with Silva also reportedly not yet ready to make his debut.
However, Werner and Havertz are expected to make their Chelsea debuts with Christian Pulisic also fully fit and ready to be selected.
The problem last season was the lack of depth in the team and this issue is now being sorted with options in most departments, and so far there are no real worries for Lampard yet.
I expect Lampard to play a 4-3-3 formation with Kepa Arrizabalaga in goal, and holding up the defence will be Reece James, Kurt Zouma, Fikayo Tomori , and Cesar Azpilicueta.
The midfield is trickier to predict with many different options also on the bench but I expect N'Golo Kante and Jorginho to play as more defensive centre midfielders with Mason Mount sitting in front as a CAM. Then on the wing, you have both Pulisic and Odoi either side providing for Werner up front.
Of course this could all change, and Lampard could go with something completely different, but with the injuries and players that are available, this could well be the system and players he goes with.
Prediction
I do expect Brighton to sit back a little using the pace of Tariq Lamptey to get up the pitch, and with tricky players like Neal Maupay, the defence could be in trouble.
However, saying this I am going for a 2-1 Chelsea win, with the new season nerves to be expected, but with the quality in the side I feel that will give Chelsea the edge over Graham Potter's team.
What formation will Frank Lampard use?
Will it be a Chelsea away win?
Please let us know down in the comments below!
Explore more stats, standings and news on VAVEL Data: Chelsea FC
