‘Chelsea Needs more Bodies in Midfield' - Frank Lampard Advises Antonio Conte to Make Key Tactical Change against Roma

Frank Lampard has told Antonio Conte to revert to the gameplan which saw Chelsea overcome Atletico Madrid when they face Roma in the Champions League tonight. The Premier League champions will hope to solidify their position in Group C when they meet the same opposition who were unlucky to be held to a thrilling 3-3 draw at Stamford Bridge a fortnight ago. 

Conte has largely stuck with the 3-4-3 formation which brought his side so much success last season but Lampard believes it is imperative he packs the midfield against the Serie A side, in much the same way he did against Atletico last month.

On that night Cesc Fabregas, Timeoue Bakayoko and N’Golo Kante dominated the middle of the park, contributing to a 2-1 victory that represented Chelsea’s most complete performance of the season so far. Kante’s likely return from a three-week injury-enforced absence will come as a welcome boost to his manager who was forced to deploy David Luiz in midfield against Roma in the reverse fixture. ‘Conte will want to prove a point against Roma,’ Lampard told the Evening Standard.

‘Chelsea will have to play better than a fortnight ago when they did well to escape with a 3-3 draw. ‘Chelsea need to defend as a team. I will be surprised if Conte doesn’t pick three in midfield and I’m sure N’Golo Kante will start if he’s fit. ‘Conte needs bodies in midfield, his team struggled against them at the Bridge. Roma moved the ball around and changed the play.’