Chelsea boss Frank Lampard says he will not chop and change his wingers just because he has such strength in depth.
Callum Hudson-Odoi and Willian have both been regular starters in recent weeks after missing the start of the season through injury.
But with Christian Pulisic having impressed with a classy hat-trick in the win over Burnley and Pedro also fit again after injury, Chelsea have plenty of options out wide.
“I am not here to rotate for the sake of it,” Lampard said prior to Saturday’s trip to face Watford, who are winless and bottom of the Premier League table.
“Willian and Pedro are top-class players who are at different stages of their careers but can give us a big input as well [as Hudson-Odoi and Pulisic].
“There is competition in those places specifically. It keeps them on edge which gives me a problem, but it’s a good one: it keeps them trying to perform.”
The Blues had won seven games in a row in all competitions before losing to Manchester United in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday.
Pulisic and Hudson-Odoi started but Willian is likely to come back in for the match at Vicarage Road, having moved to the front of the queue with six starts and three substitute appearances in the league so far.
Lampard added: “I understand players want momentum and want to play and there is not the pressure that if you have one game below par then you don’t play – it can’t be that extreme. But it is choice I need to make every week.
“I will go as I see it.”
This post was last modified on 02/11/2019