Thomas Tuchel rings in major changes to his Chelsea XI who will take the field shortly to face off against Swedish outfit Malmo at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues have defensive duo Antonio Rudiger and Thiago Silva returning to the teamsheet following their absence over the weekend win away at Brentford.
Rudiger and Silva start at the back, James on the bench
Malang Sarr and Trevor Chalobah drop out after deputising against Brentford and taking their vacancies are the returning pairing of Rudiger and Thiago Silva who partner Andreas Christensen in the heart of the Chelsea backline.
Skipper Cesar Azpilicueta continues to be drafted in the right wing-back role ahead of Reece James with Tuchel holding out on handing a start to the latter who has recently recovered from an ankle injury.
Jorginho returns to the midfield with Loftus-Cheek out
Ruben Loftus-Cheek makes way for Italy international Jorginho to partner N’Golo Kante in the centre of the park with Tuchel recalling his midfield maestro who was on the bench last time around.
Tuchel, however, does not bench the under-fire Timo Werner who continues to play up top alongside summer signing Romelu Lukaku and the returning Mason Mount.
Here is how both teams line up for today’s Champions League fixture:
Chelsea FC XI
Your Chelsea team news! 🔵 @ParimatchGlobal | #CheMal pic.twitter.com/v9mWzNdbCj
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) October 20, 2021
Malmo FC XI
Startelvan på Stamford Bridge!⁰⁰#UCL pic.twitter.com/Hy6dQH7FCK
— Malmö FF (@Malmo_FF) October 20, 2021
