Premier League: Five questions heading into Gameweek 2

4. What does Chelsea’s best starting XI look like?

No, it’s not time to start panicking if you’re a Chelsea fan. It’s still only Gameweek 2, and despite a thorough 4-0 defeat at the hands of Manchester United at Old Trafford in the opening weekend, it’s a long season that will come with inevitable growing pains.

Under the leadership of new manager and club legend Frank Lampard, Chelsea will have to painstakingly find their identity in the early goings of the season. Facing a transfer ban in which they were unable to bring in any new players during the summer transfer period, the Blues have been left with a limited amount of options in all three areas of the pitch.

After the late departure of centre back David Luiz to Arsenal only days before the season began, Lampard is still searching for his best centre back pairing. Will we see the combination of Kurt Zouma and Andreas Christensen again this weekend against Leicester City? I’d highly doubt it after a poor performance against United, but there’s something to be said about continuity, so perhaps Lampard will run them out again in hopes of the two gaining more experience and trust playing alongside one another. We also didn’t see left back Marcos Alonso start against United. Has he lost in place in the squad to Emerson Palmieri?

In the midfield, it’s a bit of a mess with how many options there are and what potential combinations Lampard may elect to use. Just go down the list: Mason Mount, N’Golo Kanté, Mateo Kovačić, Jorginho, Ross Barkley, Christian Pulisic. It’s anyone’s guess has to what combination will properly unlock the style of play Lampard is hoping to exercise.

Finally, which forward do we think Chelsea will line up against the Foxes this weekend? 21-year old Tammy Abraham showed some promise early against United, hitting the woodwork with a strike, but then was subbed out late for veteran Olivier Giroud in the second half. Meanwhile, Michy Batshuayi is waiting in the wings and back from loan from Crystal Palace. What will Lampard do with him?

Will Chelsea rebound against Leicester at the weekend? It’s tough to say. It may take another week or two (maybe more) of getting exposed for Lampard to find how what is his best starting XI is. This is certainly a question to keep asking ourselves as the season winds on.