Andreas Christensen starts in a back three while Marcos Alonso and Ross Barkley are back in the starting lineup as Chelsea get set to take on Tottenham.
Frank Lampard has made four changes to the side that started in the 2-0 loss to Manchester United earlier this week as Chelsea prepare to lock horns with bitter rivals Tottenham at Stamford Bridge. And, Willy Caballero continues in goal, as Kepa Arrizabalaga’s exile from the team continues.
The key change made by Lampard is in the formation, reverting to what seems to be a 3-4-2-1, and Andreas Christensen is fit to start as one of the three centre-backs. Christensen has Antonio Rudiger and Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta for company in the three-man central defensive unit.
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With N’Golo Kante unavailable due to injury, Jorginho and Mateo Kovacic start as the two central midfielders. Reece James keeps his place in the side as well, starting as the right wing-back. On the opposite flank, Marcos Alonso returns to the starting lineup, taking his place as the left wing-back.
Interestingly, no wingers start, with Willian benched and Pedro out of the matchday squad altogether. James and Alonso will, therefore, likely provide the width against Tottenham. Ross Barkley and Mason Mount return and are likely to take up central positions in the final third. Finally, Olivier Giroud leads the line for Chelsea, with Tammy Abraham not fit to start.
Chelsea Starting Lineup: Caballero, Azpilicueta, Rudiger, Chistensen, James, Jorginho, Kovacic, Alonso, Barkley, Mount, Giroud
