UEFA Super Cup 2019: 3 changes Frank Lampard must make to the lineup

Chelsea were comprehensively beaten by Manchester United in their opening Premier League fixture. Marcus Rashford hounded the Chelsea defence, with Paul Pogba bullying Mateo Kovacic and Jorginho in midfield, and Harry Maguire delivering a commanding performance at the back. The Blues were wasteful in front of goal and complicit in their defensive organization.

Much of the criticism, as singled out by Jose Mourinho and Graeme Souness after the match, was levelled at Frank Lampard's inability to select a more experienced lineup, along with the absence of a compact defensive block which allowed the United front-line to run riot at Old Trafford.

Lampard hesitantly accepted the complacency of his team's performance but was quick to defend his players and suggested that the scoreline was flattering to their opponents. The Chelsea head coach praised his young players while conceding that injuries played a big part.

With the UEFA Super Cup tie against Liverpool fast approaching, and with a few big-name players returning from injury, here are 3 lineup changes the Chelsea manager must make to command a more cohesive performance than what was showcased at Old Trafford.

#3 Olivier Giroud for Tammy Abraham

Despite hitting the post early in the match and exhibiting clever runs between the channels, Tammy Abraham was unable to convert his promising start into a complete performance. His linkup play was ordinary, and he was unable to provide Harry Maguire with much of a threat.

The young striker also failed to convert the most blatant goal-scoring opportunity of the match. The Englishman was a hit with Championship side Aston Villa last season, scoring 26 goals during his loan spell. But, perhaps, he needs more time to acclimatize to the more rigorous needs of the Premier League.

Lampard would do well to give him a rest and select an experienced veteran in the form of Olivier Giroud. The Frenchman might not be an all-out goal-scoring machine but is adept at holding the ball and exchanging neat passes between his forwards.

The Frenchman will also provide a much more potent physical threat to the towering Virgil van Djik than his younger counterpart. Most of all, Giroud has played in FA Cup finals for both Arsenal and Chelsea and won a European trophy with the Blues last season. He knows what it means to play on the big occasion.

#2 Christian Pulisic for Ross Barkley

Another baffling selection from Lampard against United was the inclusion of Ross Barkley on the left-wing. Barkley's natural position was occupied by Mason Mount. Lampard's hesitancy to immediately thrust Christian Pulisic into the limelight was questionable.

The Englishman like the rest of his teammates was decent in possession, but off the ball, his defensive contribution was in question. He was routinely outsmarted by the marauding Aaron Wan-Bissaka and ultimately failed to have any meaningful impact on the match, swiftly being replaced by Pulisic in the second half.

The American appeared vibrant in contrast to his teammate, constantly pressing up and down the field, and even getting into a few tussles with Paul Pogba & co. The defensive capitulation that occurred shortly afterwards affected the young winger as much as it did the rest of the team. He showed great fighting spirit towards the end of the game but his efforts proved futile in the face of disjointed team morale and an organized opponent.

Lampard should play to his team's strengths. Pulisic's adaptability to play on both wings offers dynamism to the Blues. His defensive work would also offer cover for Emerson to make more forward runs. Lampard might have been pragmatic in trying to delay the introduction of such a young player to the labours of the Premier League, but for a one time cup final, he might want to go all in.

#1 Willian for Pedro

Pedro was one of the few better players to grace the pitch at Old Trafford but was nonetheless guilty of being wasteful in possession, missing several opportunities to set up his teammates to score, often attempting outrageous shots from outside the box.

The second half proved to be a chastening experience for the Spaniard. His inability to settle into a compact defensive shape, and rattle the United half with the rest of the forward line resulted in acres of space opening up in the Chelsea half - which their opponents exploited to their advantage. Lampard would to well to consider an alternative option that better suits the 4-2-3-1 formation he employs.

Willian offers far greater defensive mobility and explosive movement up the field. He has proven to be a devastating counter-attacking outlet and a reliable set-piece specialist in the past. With Liverpool possessing particularly fast fullbacks, the Blues could use that extra amount of cover the Brazillian offers.

Lampard elected not to risk the player against United as he was nursing an injury concern picked up during the Copa America. The player has travelled with the Chelsea squad to Istanbul. With Chelsea bidding to win their first trophy of the season, perhaps it is the perfect opportunity to introduce the Brazillian.