Chelsea: Pundit discusses club's 'strategy' for transfer window
Chelsea got off to a winning start in the new Premier League season with a well-fought victory over Brighton on Monday night. Frank Lampard had new summer signings Timo Werner and Kai Havertz available straight away for the new campaign and both players were handed their debut.
Frank Lampard faces some tough calls for his side to face Liverpool (Image: GETTY)
Brighton came out the better of the two teams in the second half and soon equalised when Leandro Trossard found the net with a brilliant effort from outside the box.
Just two minutes later and Reece James went one better with a smashing strike reminiscent of Vincent Kompany's famous winner against Leicester in 2019.
Kurt Zouma added a third via deflection off Adam Webster to make sure of all three points.
It wasn't the prettiest of performances by all means but Lampard will certainly be pleased at seeing his side pick up all three points ahead of the game against Liverpool on Sunday.
And a few performances may have given Lampard some even tougher decisions to make for his starting line-up against the defending champions.
Thiago Silva is expected to start training with his new team-mates this week and could well be available for the crunch match.
Both Zouma and Andreas Christensen put in a strong display though, meaning Lampard faces a tough call on whether he changes them around.
Cesar Azpilicueta was also named on the bench against Brighton having recovered from an injury he suffered against Bayern Munich and will likely be in contention against Liverpool.
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Chelsea will have a few more players available (Image: GETTY)
However, James was one of the star performers for Chelsea in their opening fixture and will undoubtedly want to hold on to his place.
Then there's the question of how Lampard fits Christian Pulisic into the team, if he's deemed fit enough to play.
The USA international was Chelsea's best player during the restart period last season.
But that will mean Mason Mount may have to give way, who has been a favourite under Lampard since he took charge at Stamford Bridge.
The Chelsea boss will have further decisions to make on his starting line-up in the near future when Hakim Ziyech, Ben Chilwell and Mateo Kovacic are also available.