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Football London
Football London
Sport
Oliver Harbord

Hakim Ziyech debut, Timo Werner getting off the mark and big Chelsea defence decision

Chelsea are back in Premier League action this afternoon as they host Southampton at Stamford Bridge.

The Blues are in good shape coming out of the international break, however they will be missing Edouard Mendy and Thiago Silva for the game.

Frank Lampard’s side hammered Crystal Palace 4-0 in their last league match before the internationals, and will be hoping to pick up that form.

But what are the big talking points going into the game?

Getting Werner off the mark

Timo Werner has looked bright for Chelsea in his appearances so far, however he is yet to get off the mark in the Premier League.

With two penalties against Crystal Palace, it should have been the perfect chance to give him the ball and so that he could score his maiden league goal.

However, it was Jorginho who took both spot-kicks, finishing with a brace while Tammy Abraham and Werner had to watch on.

Werner will be desperate to end that run today and score his first Premier League goal, and it could depend on where he starts.

Lampard has used him on the left in the last three league matches, but if he starts through the middle then he might get the chances to put away more often.

The Kepa and Caballero debate

Lampard confirmed on Friday that Edouard Mendy will not be fit due to the thigh injury he picked up on international duty.

The question will be whether the Blues boss puts Kepa Arrizabalaga in, or if he moves Willy Caballero back into the starting XI.

The latter replaced the world’s most expensive goalkeeper for the West Brom match, the last match before Mendy arrived.

While he conceded three, none were really his fault and so it would be more fair if he was to come in again.

However, the debate will be over how much Lampard really trusts Kepa to put the mistakes behind him.

Ziyech debut

For Hakim Ziyech, today is set to be an important one for Hakim Ziyech as he could make his competitive debut for the Blues.

The 27-year-old picked up a knee injury during pre-season and has only played a few minutes during the international break for Morocco.

Lampard confirmed that Ziyech will be in the squad, but he won’t start the match.

However, he could get some vital minutes to continue his road to getting a full debut.

The defensive duo

With Thiago Silva being out the game, there is a question mark over who will be the starting centre-back duo for the Blues.

Kurt Zouma is likely to keep his place, but there could be a surprise of either Antonio Rudiger or Fikayo Tomori to join him.

Of course, Andreas Christensen will also be looking to get a spot in the side, but again there will be a new combination.

Coming off the back of a clean sheet, it will be vital for the Blues to continue that against the Saints.

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