Reece James drops down to the bench for Chelsea’s visit to Southampton on Saturday afternoon in a must-win game for Thomas Tuchel’s Blues.
The west Londoners have suffered two big defeats in a row and would be eyeing a return to winning ways going up against a struggling Southampton outfit.
Unchanged backline for Chelsea
Thomas Tuchel rings in no changes to his three-man defensive lineup with Antonio Rudiger, Andreas Christensen and Thiago Silva retaining their starting berths.
In the wing-back roles, Ruben Loftus-Cheek is the surprise option on the right side with Marcos Alonso earning a recall back into the first XI on the other side of the pitch.
Kovacic replaces Jorginho in midfield
Jorginho is the other name to make way from the XI with the Croatia international Mateo Kovacic partnering N’Golo Kante in the centre of the park.
In the final third, Christian Pulisic drops down to the bench with Germany international Timo Werner the new inductee to join his compatriot Kai Havertz and the England international Mason Mount.
Here is how both teams line up for today’s Premier League fixture:
Southampton FC XI
Starting 🤝 Stu and Adam Armstrong
Your #SaintsFC side to take on #CFC: pic.twitter.com/1r9m4YERYi
— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) April 9, 2022
Chelsea FC XI
Here’s your Chelsea team news today. 🤝 #SouChe pic.twitter.com/fzFcNg4UTA
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) April 9, 2022
