Frank Lampard has revealed why he chose to recall Antonio Rudiger, Jorginho and Emerson to the Chelsea starting XI for their crucial Champions League clash with Lille.
Having lost three of their last four Premier League matches, including a 3-1 defeat to Everton on Saturday, the Blues boss opted for three changes to his team.
Chelsea know three points will see them safely through to the knock-out stage of Europe's elite competition but any other result will leave their future resting on other results.
With such great importance on the match, Lampard opted for three changes from the team that lost at Goodison Park, with Rudiger, Jorginho and Emerson all coming into the team.
Mason Mount, Andreas Christiansen and Reece James were sacrificed, with Lampard opting to look towards his more senior players for such a crucial match.
"I think Rudiger is one we've worked hard on to get fit, we have missed him," Lampard told BT Sport ahead of kick-off against Lille.
"I know how important he has been whilst he's been in here, it's one we have worked on a lot and he is ready so that's great.
"With Jorginho and Emerson, yes, there is a little bit more experience but it's also about freshness to it. I'm very aware of that, they have got some big-game experience, I hope, and hopefully, they bring that today, that extra bit."
Whilst not to be underestimated, Lille have made mass changes to their team with their fate in Group H sealed.
They won't be in Europe after Christmas so have opted to focus all their attentions on domestic matters.
Top goal-scorer Victor Osimen, who has 11 goals in 21 appearances for the French club this season, was left on the bench with ex-Chelsea striker Loic Remy instead leading the line.
