It is a much-changed XI on the show for Chelsea as they play hosts to relegation favourites Fulham with boss Thomas Tuchel deciding to ring in major changes ahead of next week’s second leg semi-final meeting with Real Madrid.
Antonio Rudiger is the notable absentee due to injury with the Germany international having picked up a niggle in the 1-1 draw against Madrid earlier this week.
New-look frontline for the hosts as Ziyech and Havertz come in
Hakim Ziyech and Kai Havertz come into the three-man frontline for Chelsea with Timo Werner retaining his spot as the central striking force despite a dismal showing from him in the first leg of the Champions League last four.
Tuchel still reimposes his faith in Werner in spite of having the likes of Tammy Abraham and Olivier Giroud to call upon but the latter is surprisingly kept out of the matchday squad for today’s fixture.
Mount and Gilmour to anchor the midfield department
Mason Mount’s role on the pitch is changed from a more attacking one to an anchor like presence in the centre of the park alongside a new face in Billy Gilmour who had been a benchwarmer in recent times following his return from injury.
N’Golo Kante and Jorginho are kept out of the league clash with the now first-choice pairing given some well-deserved rest leading up to next week’s crunch tie at Stamford Bridge in Champions League action.
Here is how both teams line up for today’s Premier League fixture:
Chelsea FC XI
Mendy, Christensen, Thiago Silva (c), Zouma; James, Gilmour, Mount, Chilwell, Ziyech, Havertz, Werner
Fulham FC XI
Areola; Aina, Andersen(C), Adarabioyo, Robinson; De Cordova-Reid, Zambo Anguissa, Lemina, Lookman; Maja, Cavaleiro
