Hakim Ziyech has been handed his first start while Antonio Rudiger comes in to replace Thiago Silva as Chelsea get ready to lock horns with Krasnodar.
Frank Lampard has made several changes to the side that took on Manchester United in midweek for Chelsea’s second Champions League match against Krasnodar at the Krasnodar Stadium.
The first and most important change comes in the formation where Lampard seems to have reverted to a 4-2-3-1 after using a 3-4-3 on the weekend. Antonio Rudiger comes in for his first start of the season, exactly like how the English gaffer hinted in his pre-game presser. He will be partnering Kurt Zouma at the heart of the Chelsea defence.
Edouard Mendy has retained his place between the sticks, while Ben Chilwell and Cesar Azpilicueta have been given the responsibility to provide width from the back.
Our starting XI for #KRACHE! ? pic.twitter.com/JE66cLQebc
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) October 28, 2020
Mateo Kovacic finally returns to the team, slotting alongside Jorginho in the double pivot. Kai Havertz is the final piece in this midfield and will play as the attacking midfielder as part of the front four.
The biggest change comes in the form of Hakim Ziyech, who makes his first start for his new club. The Moroccan joined the club in the summer, but an injury during pre-season forced him to stay out of the squad for three months. Ziyech starts on the right wing.
Timo Werner is given the duty to lead the line but will be aided by Callum Hudson-Odoi, who starts on the left. Christian Pulisic has been rested keeping in mind the robust schedule and the game against Burnley on the weekend.
Chelsea Starting Lineup: Mendy, Azpilicueta, Rudiger, Zouma, Chilwell, Jorginho, Kovacic, Ziyech, Havertz, Hudson-Odoi, Werner
