Thomas Tuchel has rung the changes for Chelsea's Carabao Cup tie with Southampton as the head coach rests some key players ahead of the trip to Newcastle in the Premier League this weekend.
The back five remains in tact as usual but there might be a tinge of disappointment for Callum Hudson-Odoi, who appears to be starting at right wing-back having enjoyed a fine outing on the left of the front three in the rout against Norwich.
Hudson-Odoi is joined in defence by Reece James, who starts as a right-sided centre half, Trevoh Chalobah and Malang Sarr, with Marcos Alonso recalled at left wing-back.
In midfield, Saul Niguez is handed a chance by Tuchel to impress from the start having been bene short of game time in recent weeks. He is joined in the middle of the park by Mateo Kovacic, with Jorginho named on the bench and N'Golo Kante and Ruben Loftus-Cheek not in the squad.
There is an expected change in goal for the Blues as Kepa, who started the third round win over Aston Villa, returns to the side and replaces Edouard Mendy in goal.
Kai Havertz will lead the line up front for the Blues like he did at the weekend and he is supported by Hakim Ziyech, another player in need of finding some form. Ross Barkley is also included for his first competitive start of the season for the Blues.
As expected, there is no Timo Werner or Romelu Lukaku in the side this evening as they miss out through injury.
Chelsea team: Kepa; Hudson-Odoi, James, Chalobah, Christensen, Marcos Alonso; Saul, Kovacic; Barkley, Ziyech, Havertz.
