It is a first start of the new season for Ben Chilwell in the left-back role as a much-changed Chelsea side take on Aston Villa in the third-round fixture of the Carabao Cup.
Saul Niguez gets his second start in the Blues shirt after his deadline day move to Stamford Bridge from Atletico Madrid.
New-look defence for the hosts
Trevor Chalobah and Malang Sarr are handed roles in the heart of the backline with Reece James also slotting in at centre-back for today’s game.
Callum Hudson-Odoi and Ben Chilwell are set to operate in the wing-back roles for Thomas Tuchel’s men with the returning N’Golo Kante donning the captain’s armband.
Lukaku benched, Werner leads the line
Timo Werner has his chance to silence his critics with the Germany international striker leading the line for Chelsea against Dean Smith’s Aston Villa outfit.
Joining Werner up top on the pitch are Hakim Ziyech and Ruben Loftus-Cheek, the latter of whom makes his first outing of the 2021-22 campaign.
Here is how both teams line up for today’s Carabao Cup fixture:
Chelsea FC XI
Tonight's team news! 🔵 @ParimatchGlobal | #CarabaoCup pic.twitter.com/ivurEOMQVJ
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) September 22, 2021
Aston Villa FC XI
This is your Aston Villa team to face Chelsea tonight. 🟣 #CarabaoCup pic.twitter.com/msjtrsrjJG
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) September 22, 2021
