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Oliver Harbord & Robert Warlow & Alan Smith

Azpilicueta and Jorginho to return, the Pulisic call: Lampard's big decisions for Man City clash

Chelsea head coach Frank Lampard has some big decisions to make when it comes to his team selection this weekend.

It is a big test for in-form Chelsea as they travel to face Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, as fourth hosts third in the Premier League.

Lampard's Blues are on a six-game winning streak in the league at present, but face Pep Guardiola's men, who will be smarting from a 3-1 defeat against Liverpool ahead of the international break.

With players returning from international duty this week, Lampard has not had as much time to prepare his squad for the game, but he faces some big calls when it comes to who plays at the Etihad Stadium.

We take a look at the options available to him and the decisions he has to make, below, as three of our reporters predict the line-up for the fixture on Saturday.

Oliver Harbord - Chelsea correspondent

Chelsea might have won six Premier League games in a row, but this Saturday’s match at Manchester City will be their biggest test so far.

The Blues were hammered at the Etihad Stadium last season 6-0 under Maurizio Sarri, however this new Chelsea team will be full of confidence going into the match with Frank Lampard at the helm.

One big question will be who lines up at right-back after Cesar Azpilicueta was dropped for Reece James against Crystal Palace, putting in a decent display.

However, Lampard would likely want experience against City and to bring his club captain back into the team.

With three in midfield, Mateo Kovacic, N’Golo Kante and Jorginho could line up together, with Mason Mount moving further forward.

That would mean that Christian Pulisic would be on the bench for the game, which would be a big call as he has been in excellent form.

Oliver's team: (4-3-3) - Kepa; Azpilicueta, Tomori, Zouma, Emerson; Kante, Jorginho, Kovacic; Willian, Abraham, Mount.

Premier League 2019/20 November fixtures

Alan Smith - Senior football writer

The big decision for Frank Lampard will be at right back.

Should he stick with Reece James, who impressed in his first Premier League start against Crystal Palace before the international break? Or should he go back to the tried and tested skipper Cesar Azpilicueta? The latter is more likely to start based on experience but retaining the younger player would be a statement of intent.

Other than that there is a selection headache in midfield now N'Golo Kante is back in the frame. Jorginho is a guaranteed starter, meaning that there will likely be a choice between Mateo Kovacic or Mason Mount to line out on the right of the three.

Kovacic's recent form has been outstanding – so he just gets the nod here, with the aim of using Mount's fresh legs off the bench to hurt City.

Alan's team : Kepa; James, Zouma, Tomori, Emerson; Kante, Jorginho, Kovacic; Willian, Abraham, Pulisic.

Robert Warlow - Production editor

Frank Lampard has some nice problems when it comes to his team selection.

After six wins in a row, there is no need for wholesale changes, but the return of Jorginho after a one-match suspension gives the Blues' head coach a selection headache.

When fit, N'Golo Kante and Jorginho have been the preferred pairing in the deeper midfield roles, but Mateo Kovacic has impressed in recent weeks, and it would be a tough call to drop him.

Lampard could switch formation against City and play all three in midfield, which would then leave the Chelsea boss with a decision to make over who plays in the forward roles.

Tammy Abraham is likely to lead the line again, with Willian, Christian Pulisic, Mason Mount and Callum Hudson-Odoi all vying for places.

But with Pulisic an injury doubt after being ruled out of playing for USA over the international break, Lampard could play Mount further forward along with Willian playing in behind Abraham, and Hudson-Odoi providing an option from the bench.

Similarly, Lampard could play Cesar Azpilicueta ahead of Reece James at right-back, despite the young full-back impressing against Palace last time out.

Robert's team: Kepa; Azpilicueta, Zouma, Tomori, Emerson; Kante, Jorginho, Kovacic; Mount, Willian, Abraham.

But who would you pick? Have your say below.

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