Chelsea eased their way through the group stages in the Champions League after beating Lille 2-1 to secure their place in the next round. However, with a congested fixture list approaching manager Frank Lampard has some difficult decisions to make regarding rotation to ensure his players aren’t fatigued, but his side remain in the hunt for the top four domestically.
The Blues next opponents are Bournemouth, and Lampard has to decide whether to stick with Willian, who started against Lille and put in a man of the match display or to select Callum Hudson-Odoi, who some fans slated after the tie.
Hudson-Odoi was only on the field for half an hour, having been introduced as a substitute but his performance was underwhelming, failing to contribute defensively as Chelsea sought to see out the match, without offering much of an attacking threat, having put both of his shots off target. To cut the Englishman some slack, it can be challenging to enter a game mid-way through and adjust to the tempo, while he is still getting his full match fitness back from a nasty injury.
But with Manchester United and Wolverhampton Wanderers looming in the Premier League and both sides on unbeaten streaks, can Lampard afford to risk starting a struggling Hudson-Odoi against the Cherries?
Bournemouth on a hideous run themselves having lost their last five fixtures, meaning Lampard should introduce the English teenager from the off, as it may be the ideal opportunity for his to restore some confidence. Another benefit will be resting Willian, who can be introduced from the bench if required, as the Brazilian has played a pivotal role in Chelsea’s success this season featuring in all but one of their Premier League matches.
Willian has been the second-highest rated player for the Blues this campaign, and with London derbies against Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal looming his experience will be required elsewhere.
Ultimately it is Lampard’s decision, but the opportunity to get back to his best against one of the Premier League’s most out of form sides may be just what Hudson-Odoi needs to kick start a stagnant season.
