Edouard Mendy returns in the goal for the hosts Chelsea as they gear up to welcome the defending champions Manchester City to Stamford Bridge for a much-awaited league meeting.
Mendy had been on the sidelines of late but is now back on the staring teamsheet for the Blues in a major boost to Thomas Tuchel’s men.
Defensive regulars return to the Chelsea XI
Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen were given some well-earned rest during the midweek Carabao Cup contest win over Aston Villa.
Both defenders are back in the heart of the Chelsea defence alongside skipper Cesar Azpilicueta with Reece James and Marcos Alonso in the wing-back roles, the latter replacing Ben Chilwell on his return to the teamsheet.
Werner partners Lukaku upfront
One surprise inclusion made by Tuchel is of Timo Werner who had found the net for Chelsea last time around in cup action. The Germany international will be strike partner for the Stamford Bridge returnee Romelu Lukaku.
Star playmaker Mason Mount misses out due to injury and Tuchel resorts to a three-man midfield with N’Golo Kante, Jorginho and Mateo Kovacic taking up the spots in the centre of the park.
Here is how both teams line up for today’s Premier League fixture:
Chelsea FC XI
Up the Chels! 🔵 @ParimatchGlobal | #CHEMCI pic.twitter.com/Rb58LZTUv8
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) September 25, 2021
Manchester City FC XI
Team news is in! 💪
XI | Ederson, Walker, Dias (C), Laporte, Cancelo, Rodrigo, De Bruyne, Bernardo, Foden, Jesus, Grealish.
SUBS | Steffen, Stones, Ake, Sterling, Torres, Fernandinho, Mahrez, Palmer, Lavia.
📋 @HaysWorldwide
🔷 #ManCity | https://t.co/axa0klUGiM pic.twitter.com/kgKxZe2Qxu— Manchester City (@ManCity) September 25, 2021
