Romelu Lukaku is once again back in the starting XI for the home side Chelsea with the Belgian leading the line against Brighton at Stamford Bridge.
Thomas Tuchel also issues a recall to central defender Andreas Christensen who slots in at the back after his recent spell on the sidelines with a back injury.
Pulisic starts at wing-back
In a surprising decision made by Tuchel, Marcos Alonso starts on the bench with the Spain international displaced by Christian Pulisic who gets the nod to occupy the left wing-back role.
N’Golo Kante is on the bench as well with Mateo Kovacic starting in the heart of the midfield for the Blues with Jorginho.
Hudson-Odoi retains his berth on the team sheet
Lukaku is joined by England international duo Mason Mount and Callum Hudson-Odoi in the final third of the pitch with Timo Werner unavailable for selection today.
Another of Chelsea’s recent COVID-19 concerns in Kai Havertz is deemed fit to make the squad as the German has to contend with a place on the bench.
Here is how both teams line up for today’s Premier League fixture:
Chelsea FC XI
Your Chelsea team news tonight! 🔵@ParimatchGlobal | #CheBha pic.twitter.com/wPjevIyJnz
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) December 29, 2021
Brighton FC XI
COME ON ALBION! 💪 Here's how we line up against Chelsea in the @PremierLeague. 📝
📲 https://t.co/S3j1TIedJv ✘ #BHAFC 🔵⚪️ pic.twitter.com/UnnhWhZ812
— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) December 29, 2021
