Trevoh Chalobah and Kai Havertz earn recalls back to the starting XI for Chelsea who leave Romelu Lukaku out of the matchday squad to face Liverpool on Sunday.
The summer recruit’s recent remarks have not gone down well with the boss Thomas Tuchel with the German set to field his players without Lukaku in the fold.
Thiago Silva returns to the defence
The veteran Brazil central defender is in line for a return to the backline for the home side with Andreas Christensen sidelined with a back injury.
Joining Silva at the back are Antonio Rudiger and Trevoh Chalobah with the latter expected to impress in a high-billed outing at Stamford Bridge.
Mateo Kovacic partners Kante in midfield
Jorginho starts on the bench for today’s game as Tuchel drafts Mateo Kovacic in the centre of the park with France international N’Golo Kante.
In the final third, Lukaku’s absence allows Kai Havertz to come into the central striking role with Mason Mount and Christian Pulisic slotting in on the wings.
Here is how both teams line up for today’s Premier League fixture:
Chelsea FC XI
Here’s how we’ll line up today! 🔵@ParimatchGlobal | #CheLiv pic.twitter.com/kykD7JnV0B
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) January 2, 2022
Liverpool FC XI
🔴 #CHELIV 𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦 🔴
Your first Reds line-up of the New Year!
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) January 2, 2022
