Kai Havertz and Thiago Silva return to the starting lineup while Mason Mount drops out as Chelsea prepare to lock horns with Crystal Palace.
Frank Lampard has made just four changes to the side that started in the Carabao Cup defeat to Tottenham Hotspur earlier this week, as Chelsea get set to play hosts to Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge. But, there is no shuffle in goal, where Edouard Mendy makes his Premier League debut.
In defence there is just one change, with Thiago Silva returning to the heart of the Chelsea backline. The Brazilian will have Kurt Zouma for company, with Andreas Christensen missing out. Ben Chilwell is set to turn out for the first time in the Premier League in Chelsea colours, while captain Cesar Azpilicueta makes his first league start of the season.
Here’s how we line up today. ?#CHECRY pic.twitter.com/HPxO74jqMZ
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) October 3, 2020
Up ahead in midfield, Mateo Kovacic has been given a breather, with N’Golo Kante partnering Jorginho in the double pivot. Ahead of them, Kai Havertz will reprise the no. 10 role, with Mason Mount dropping out of the side.
Havertz will play off Tammy Abraham, who replaces Olivier Giroud as Chelsea’s central striker. There are no other changes ahead of the game against Crystal Palace, with Timo Werner and Callum Hudson-Odoi retaining their places as the two wide men.
Chelsea Starting Lineup: Mendy, Azpilicueta, Silva, Zouma, Chilwell, Kante, Jorginho, Hudson-Odoi, Havertz, Werner, Abraham
