Reece James is set to return after missing the last few games with injury while Timo Werner and Hakim Ziyech should also start when Chelsea take on Fulham.
Chelsea will be aiming to bounce back to winning ways in the Premier League when they make the short trip to Craven Cottage to take on Fulham in a London Derby on Saturday.
Ahead of the game, Chelsea manager Frank Lampard has been treated with good news on the injury front as Reece James and Andreas Christensen have both recovered from their respective injuries. N’Golo Kante, too, is back to full fitness, but will still miss the game due to suspension for accumulation of cards.
“No new injuries, we are all good. N’Golo Kante’s suspended but he’s back in training with us from tomorrow, so we’re all good,” Lampard said in his pre-match press conference. The Blues’ boss will be making plenty of changes to the side that defeated Morecambe 4-0 in the FA Cup third round last week.
In goal, Edouard Mendy should reclaim his spot from Kepa Arrizabalaga, who started the cup tie. Kurt Zouma ought to retain his place in the side, but will have a change of partners at the heart of the Chelsea defence, with Thiago Silva coming in for Antonio Rudiger. The returning James will start at right-back while Ben Chilwell slots in on the left.
With N’Golo Kante ruled out, the defensive midfield slot will be up for grabs on Saturday evening. And while Billy Gilmour impressed in the cup tie, Jorginho is likely to get the nod against Fulham this weekend. Kai Havertz and Mason Mount, both of whom scored against Morecambe, ought to occupy the other central midfield slots.
With Hakim Ziyech on the field, Chelsea look a different team altogether. The Moroccan international is a certainty on the right flank. Callum Hudson-Odoi should get the nod on the left-wing after his impressive display against Morecambe last time out, meaning Christian Pulisic will remain an option from the bench.
Tammy Abraham, Olivier Giroud and Timo Werner will battle it out for the starting berth as the lone striker for Chelsea. However, Lampard might opt to go in with the German international, whose confidence will have been boosted after he ended his 827-minute goal drought in the win against Morecambe.
Chelsea Predicted XI: Mendy; James, Zouma, Silva, Chilwell; Havertz, Jorginho, Mount; Ziyech, Werner, Hudson-Odoi
