Chelsea draw the curtains on a miserable Premier League campaign at home to Newcastle United on Sunday, hoping to end with just their 12th win of the season.
Having accrued only 43 points, the Blues are down in 12th position of the league standings and set to make their lowest finish in the competition since 1996.
Frank Lampard’s beleaguered outfit also enter the final matchday on the back of consecutive losses to Manchester City and Manchester United. Can Newcastle put the final nail in their coffin?
It’s worth noting that the side has been blighted by numerous injuries at the moment too, with Raheem Sterling, N’Golo Kante, Benoit Badiashille, Armando Broja, Marc Cucurella, Ben Chilwell and Marcus Bettinelli all sidelined.
Here’s how Chelsea could lineup at Stamford Bridge for the last top-flight game of the season.
Kepa Arrizabalaga could start in goal again despite conceding four times in his last appearance, while Cesar Azpilicueta should retain his place following a solid display in the defeat to Manchester United last time out.
Thiago Silva could feature in central defense once more with Kalidou Koulibaly in contention to make a rate start after recovering from a lengthy injury. Lewis Hall was the only bright spot for Chelsea in their last game and Lampard will be more than happy to start him again.
Conor Gallagher‘s influence on the side is growing, so it won’t be surprising to see him named in the XI, with big-money signing Enzo Fernandez and Ruben Loftus-Cheek playing alongside him in the centre of the park.
On the left wing, Christian Pulisic could get a rare start with Noni Madueke relegated to the bench after a no-show at Old Trafford earlier this week. Joao Felix could replace Kai Havertz as the striker after coming off the bench to score against United. Noni Madueke is expected to start, although following a poor showing last time out, Hakim Ziyech could be given a chance here.
For more Chelsea new, click here.