Chelsea boss Frank Lampard is boosted by the return of Mateo Kovacic for today’s big match with Liverpool.
The midfielder missed the opening game of the season at Brighton due to suspension after being sent off against Arsenal in last month’s FA Cup final.
The Croatian comes into midfield to start alongside N’Golo Kante and Jorginho.
In defence, Lampard leaves Antonio Rudiger out of the squad despite being match fit, raising doubts over his long-term future at the club. Andreas Christensen keeps his place.
In attack, Lampard has decisions to make around who leads the line. Werner did well against Brighton and keeps Olivier Giroud out of the starting XI
Starting the Frenchman would likely mean Timo Werner deployed on the left and Kai Havertz given the chance to play in his favoured No10 role.
Mason Mount could then complete the attack by playing out right as Christian Pulisic is injured.
Confirmed team news
Chelsea XI: Arrizabalaga, James, Christensen, Zouma, Alonso, Kante, Jorginho, Kovacic, Mount, Havertz, Werner
Subs: Barkley, Abraham, Caballero, Tomori, Giroud, Hudson-Odoi, Azpilicueta
Liverpool XI: Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Fabinho, van Dijk, Robertson, Keita, Henderson, Wijnaldum, Salah, Firmino, Mane
Subs: Thiago, Milner, Adrian, Jones, Minamino, Tsimikas, Origi
