Chelsea Confirmed Lineup vs Plymouth: Lukaku, Kepa start; Kenedy on the bench

Romelu Lukaku and Kepa Arrizabalaga start while Kenedy is named among the substitutes as Chelsea get set to face Plymouth Argyle in the FA Cup.

Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel has made just the one change to the team that started against Tottenham Hotspur last time out for the FA Cup fourth-round contest against Plymouth Argyle.

The only change comes in defence, where Andreas Christensen has replaced veteran defender Thiago Silva. The rest of the team has remained intact as Tuchel, who has tested positive for coronavirus, has opted to field a strong lineup for the cup tie. It sees Kepa Arrizabalaga continue in goal ahead of backup stopper Marcus Bettinelli, while Antonio Rudiger and Malang Sarr partner Christensen at the back.

Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta continues as the right wing-back in Reece James’ absence, while Callum Hudson-Odoi has received the nod on the left side ahead of Kenedy, who was recalled from his loan spell last month. However, the Brazilian is named among the substitutes. Jorginho and Mateo Kovacic partner up in the middle of the park.

Moving into the final third of the pitch, Hakim Ziyech and Mason Mount continue as the two attacking midfielders who will support star striker Romelu Lukaku. Timo Werner, Kai Havertz and Ross Barkley are reinforcements from the bench.

Chelsea Starting Lineup: Kepa, Rudiger, Christensen, Sarr, Azpilicueta, Jorginho, Kovacic, Hudson-Odoi, Ziyech, Lukaku, Mount.