How Chelsea can line up against Krasnodar with Kepa and Billy Gilmour confirmed to start as Lampard rests stars

FRANK LAMPARD has confirmed that Billy Gilmour and Kepa Arrizabalaga will both start against Krasnodar in the Champions League tomorrow.

Chelsea have already sealed their place as group winners following last week’s 4-0 victory in Sevilla.

And Lampard is set to mix his team up so that key figures are given a break for Wednesday’s home clash.

That means Edouard Mendy will be get the night off after making a huge impact during his short time at Stamford Bridge.

Flop goalkeeper Kepa will make his fourth appearance of the season instead.

It will be the Spaniard’s first game since the 3-3 draw with Southampton in October.

But Kepa is preferred to veteran Willy Caballero, while Petr Cech is only registered in Chelsea’s Premier League squad.

Meanwhile, club captain Cesar Azpilicueta is set to come in at right-back for the impressive Reece James.

And Emerson Palmieri should replace Ben Chilwell on the other side of defence.

Centre-backs Thiago Silva and Kurt Zouma are also likely to drop out, giving chances to Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger.

In midfield, Scottish starlet Gilmour will make his first start of the season following a return from injury.

He is likely to line up to one side of holder Jorginho, with Mateo Kovacic set for the other after dropping to the bench against Leeds.

In attack, there is no Hakim Ziyech or Callum Hudson-Odoi as they have both suffered hamstring injuries.

Olivier Giroud could also be given a rest after starting the last two games, providing an opportunity for Tammy Abraham to lead the line.

Christian Pulisic is likely to start on one wing as he gains minutes after his own injury problem.

And Kai Havertz could get the nod ahead of fellow German Timo Werner in a more attacking role following his recovery from coronavirus.

Should Lampard really look to dig deep into his squad, outcasts Fikayo Tomori and Marcos Alonso could see some action.

Mason Mount deserves a night off but may also be needed against the Russians.

There could be some appearances from the kids too, with the likes of Tino Anjorin ready to build on his senior debut from last year.

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