Chelsea Confirmed Lineup vs Southampton: Abraham fit to start; Kante, Zouma feature

Tammy Abraham is fit to start while N’Golo Kante and Kurt Zouma also feature as Chelsea get ready to take on Southampton in the Premier League.

Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel has made four changes to the side that started against Newcastle United on Monday for their Premier League game against Southampton at St. Mary’s.

The first change comes under the crossbar with Kepa Arrizabalaga making way for first-choice goalkeeper Edouard Mendy. The second alteration comes in the three-man defensive unit as Andreas Christensen has dropped out to be replaced by Frenchman Kurt Zouma, who partners Antonio Rudiger and captain Cesar Azpilicueta.

Callum Hudson-Odoi has been given a breather, with Reece James getting the nod at right wing-back for Chelsea against Southampton while Marcos Alonso continues on the opposite side, meaning Ben Chilwell misses out again. Mateo Kovacic retains his place in midfield but is in for a change of partners with N’Golo Kante getting a rare start under Tuchel in place of Jorginho.

Timo Werner, who put in a Man of the Match display against Newcastle United last time out, features in attack, as does Mason Mount. In a bit of a surprise, Tammy Abraham is fit to start after having had to come with a serious-looking ankle injury against the Magpies. Hakim Ziyech and Olivier Giroud are on the bench, but Christian Pulisic misses out.

Chelsea Confirmed Starting Lineup: Mendy, Azpilicueta, Rudiger, Zouma, James, Kovacic, Kante, Alonso, Mount, Abraham, Werner.

Tammy Abraham is fit to start while N’Golo Kante and Kurt Zouma also feature as Chelsea get ready to take on Southampton in the Premier League.

Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel has made four changes to the side that started against Newcastle United on Monday for their Premier League game against Southampton at St. Mary’s.

The first change comes under the crossbar with Kepa Arrizabalaga making way for first-choice goalkeeper Edouard Mendy. The second alteration comes in the three-man defensive unit as Andreas Christensen has dropped out to be replaced by Frenchman Kurt Zouma, who partners Antonio Rudiger and captain Cesar Azpilicueta.

Callum Hudson-Odoi has been given a breather, with Reece James getting the nod at right wing-back for Chelsea against Southampton while Marcos Alonso continues on the opposite side, meaning Ben Chilwell misses out again. Mateo Kovacic retains his place in midfield but is in for a change of partners with N’Golo Kante getting a rare start under Tuchel in place of Jorginho.

Timo Werner, who put in a Man of the Match display against Newcastle United last time out, features in attack, as does Mason Mount. In a bit of a surprise, Tammy Abraham is fit to start after having had to come with a serious-looking ankle injury against the Magpies. Hakim Ziyech and Olivier Giroud are on the bench, but Christian Pulisic misses out.

Chelsea Confirmed Starting Lineup: Mendy, Azpilicueta, Rudiger, Zouma, James, Kovacic, Kante, Alonso, Mount, Abraham, Werner.