SM
Ipswich vs. Man United: 5 hrs 46 mins
Upcoming predictions and previews

How Chelsea could line up with Declan Rice

:Headline: How Chelsea could line up with Declan Rice: ID:404805: from db_amp
Sports Mole looks at how Chelsea could line up next season if they are able to sign West Ham United star Declan Rice.

While Chelsea have already announced the arrivals of attacking pair Hakim Ziyech and Timo Werner, there remains a desire to complete further high-profile signings before the beginning of next season.

A player said to remain high on Frank Lampard's shortlist is Declan Rice, whose future at West Ham United is currently uncertain as the Hammers bid to remain in the Premier League.

Although relegation would force West Ham into the sale of their most prized asset, the financial implications of the coronavirus pandemic may also lead to Rice being allowed to join a bigger club this summer.

Despite West Ham being against the England international linking up with a city rival, Chelsea are one of the few teams in Europe who can afford the versatile 21-year-old.

Here, Sports Mole takes a look at where Rice may feature in Lampard's starting lineup, taking into account other business which could take place in order to accommodate his arrival.



During his time at the London Stadium, Rice has been used as the most defensive-minded player in the middle of the pitch, either in a two or three-man partnership.

However, at some point in the future, he is expected to make the full-time transition into a centre-back, a position which Chelsea desperately need to strengthen over the coming months.

With N'Golo Kante, Mateo Kovacic and Billy Gilmour likely to be competing for two spots in the team next season, that will likely leave Rice in line to become first-choice in a back four.

Although Jorginho's potential sale would lead to Rice being required further forward at times, Lampard could show preference to using him alongside either Fikayo Tomori or Antonio Rudiger.

While Rudiger has been less than convincing of late, the Germany international is expected to remain at Stamford Bridge next season to help compatriot Werner settle into life in West London.

Given his attributes and stature, Rice may prefer that Lampard uses a back three on a more regular basis, allowing him to play in the middle of the defence with players either side of him.

amp_article__404805 : Database Data restored...  : 
last updated article - 2020-07-02 11:24:55:
html db last update - 2020-07-02 11:24:55 :

ex - 7200 : read : read cache amp html
Share this article now:
Recommended Next on SM
Premier League Table
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool119112161528
2Manchester CityMan City127232217523
3Chelsea126422314922
4Arsenal126422112922
5Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton126422116522
6Tottenham HotspurSpurs1261527131419
7Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest125431513219
8Aston Villa125431919019
9Newcastle UnitedNewcastle115331311218
10Fulham125341717018
11Brentford125252222017
12Manchester UnitedMan Utd114341212015
13Bournemouth124351617-115
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham113351319-612
15Everton122551017-711
16Leicester CityLeicester122461523-810
17Wolverhampton WanderersWolves122372028-89
18Crystal Palace121561017-78
19Ipswich TownIpswich111551222-108
20Southampton11119721-144
Scroll for more - Tap for full version


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
AL
Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!

Loading ...

Failed to load data.



. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .