Christian Pulisic is set to make his first start under Thomas Tuchel while Antonio Rudiger returns as Chelsea prepare to take on Leeds United at Elland Road.
Thomas Tuchel has made six changes to the side that beat Everton earlier this week in the Premier League as Chelsea get set to lock horns with Leeds United against Elland Road. There are no shuffles in goal, though, with Edouard Mendy retaining his spot ahead of Kepa Arrizabalaga again.
The first change comes in defence, which seems to be set up in a four-man shape, with Chelsea likely shifting to a 4-3-3 from a 3-4-2-1. Antonio Rudiger and Ben Chilwell return, with Kurt Zouma and Marcos Alonso making way. Cesar Azpilicueta and Chilwell are likely the two full-backs, with Rudiger and Andreas Christensen pairing up at the heart of the Chelsea defence.
Today’s team to take on Leeds! ?#LEECHE pic.twitter.com/K54xkjWTKJ
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Up ahead in midfield, N’Golo Kante comes in for Mateo Kovacic, starting alongside Jorginho and another returning player in Mason Mount in the three-man unit. Reece James also drops down to the bench, and so do Timo Werner and Callum Hudson-Odoi.
In Werner’s stead, Christian Pulisic returns to the starting lineup to make his maiden appearance under Thomas Tuchel since the German’s appointment as the Chelsea manager. Hakim Ziyech is back as well, with Kai Havertz once again set to reprise the false nine role he essayed superbly earlier this week.
Chelsea Starting Lineup: Mendy, Azpilicueta, Christensen, Rudiger, Chilwell, Kante, Jorginho, Mount, Ziyech, Havertz, Pulisic
