Thomas Tuchel has made three changes to his Chelsea side for today's Champions League Group H clash against Malmo.
A victory for the Blues in Sweden would put them on the cusp of qualifying for the knockout stage. Perhaps that is why Tuchel has gone with a very strong starting XI.
Edouard Mendy takes his place in goal for Chelsea. The Senegal international has conceded just four times in 15 Champions League appearances since joining the Blues in the summer of 2020 from Rennes.
Ahead of Mendy is the same back three that started the weekend victory over Newcastle United. Andreas Christensen is on the right of the defence with Antonio Rudiger taking up his customary position on the left.
That Thiago Silva starts in the centre is somewhat surprising – especially given Trevoh Chalobah is available – but the 37-year-old's experience may prove invaluable.
N'Golo Kante was left back in London and that has resulted in a midfield change. Ruben Loftus-Cheek has come into the side for the Frenchman and he will be partnered in midfield by Jorginho.
It's all-change in the wing-back positions. Reece James, who struck twice against Newcastle, drops to the bench and Cesar Azpilicueta is handed a start after fully recovering from a shoulder problem.
Ben Chilwell also steps out of the side and Marcos Alonso is handed an opportunity to recapture his early-season form at left wing-back.
With Romelu Lukaku, Timo Werner and Mason Mount all ruled out due to injury and illness, Tuchel has no reason to change his attack.
Kai Havertz will play through the middle for Chelsea once more and Callum Hudson-Odoi will start in the left ten role. The 20-year-old has impressed in recent outings and has earned praise from Tuchel.
"To get a place in this team, it's all about performance and this is what Callum shows at the moment," the German said at his pre-match press conference. "It's important he shows consistency, stays hungry and keeps on going and progressing.
"At the same time, he has to be aware of what he has done to stay in the team. And it looks good at this moment."
The final place in the Chelsea side goes to Hakim Ziyech, who will be stationed on the right of the front three. The 28-year-old needs a strong performance with Christian Pulisic back from injury and on the substitutes' bench.
Chelsea: Mendy; Christensen, Silva, Rudiger; Azpilicueta, Loftus-Cheek, Jorginho, Alonso; Ziyech, Havertz, Hudson-Odoi
Chelsea substitutes: Kepa, Bettinelli, Chalobah, Sarr, James, Chilwell, Saul, Barkley, Vale, Pulisic
