Thomas Tuchel has dropped left-wing-back Marcos Alonso from the Chelsea first-team for their clash with London rivals Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League this afternoon.
The match is the third time this month that the two sides have met, having already played out Carabao Cup semi-final ties both at Stamford Bridge and the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
The Blues came out the victors on both occasions, winning the first leg 2-0 and the second leg 1-0 to progress to the final of the competition where they will face Liverpool.
Having already won twice against Spurs this month, Tuchel will be guarding against complacency from his side as they look to improve their league form.
After setting the pace early on for the Premier League title, the German coach has seen his side fade slightly, falling 13 points off the top amid injury and off-the-field issues.
A win against Spurs could get them back on track slightly, improving on recent results where they have ended up drawing from winning positions.
While the title may seem a long shot, it isn’t out of the question and equally, they will not want to be drawn into a battle for the top four again.
For the lineup, Tuchel may have some versatility, seemingly playing a back four that could switch to a back five if needed.
Kepa Arrizabalaga starts in goal, while Cesar Azpilicueta, Antonio Rudiger, Thiago Silva and Malang Sarr start at the back.
Jorginho and Kovacic start in midfield, with Mason Mount, Hakim Ziyech and Callum Hudson-Odoi are all in the starting 11 too.
Either of Hudson-Odoi and Ziyech could play as wing-backs, if the Blues do decide to line-up in a back five.
Romelu Lukaku starts as the lone striker.
Chelsea fans took to twitter shortly after the team news to discuss their team's chances ahead of the game.
@WillReyner: "Kante on the bench? Ziyech starting? Strange."
@ChelseaFCSkye: "Looks like Werner, Pulisic and Havertz are no longer liked by Tuchel."
@TheGrandDam: "SARRR AT LEFT BACK THE LORD IS MY STRENGTH LETS GET THIS WWWWWWW."
@Miss_Chelsea31: "LUKAKU? SERIOUSLY?!??!?!??!!"
@KaiiSZN29: "Silva and rudiger our biggest attacking threat."
@CarefreeADZ: "Awful attack, Havertz deserves better."
