Football London
Thomas Tuchel has made three changes to his Chelsea side for this evening’s Premier League clash against Southampton at St Mary’s Stadium – the biggest of which sees Reece James step out of the side due to illness.
Tuchel is understood to be keeping with the back four he started with against Leicester City at the weekend, and that will mean Cesar Azpilicueta comes into the side at right-back. Thiago Silva and Kalidou Koulibaly – who was suspended at the weekend – are the two central defenders ahead of Edouard Mendy in goal.
There was a decision for the Chelsea head coach to make over who was named at left wing-back with Ben Chilwell and Marc Cucurella competing for one spot. The Spaniard has started the previous two matches and keeps his spot on the left of the Blues’ defence.
In midfield, there is no return for Mateo Kovacic. The Croatian made his comeback from injury against Leicester but isn’t yet fit enough to start for the Blues. And with Conor Gallagher suspended, having been sent off at the weekend, Tuchel has gone with Jorginho and Ruben Loftus-Cheek.
Tuchel is expected to set up his side in a 4-2-2-2 system, and that will see Hakim Ziyech start on the right of the attack and Mason Mount on the left. Kai Havertz hasn’t found the net so far this term but continues in the Chelsea frontline and is partnered by Raheem Sterling, who struck twice at the weekend.
Chelsea: Mendy; Azpilicueta, Silva, Koulibaly, Cucurella; Loftus-Cheek, Jorginho; Mount, Ziyech, Sterling, Havertz
Chelsea substitutes: Kepa, Chilwell, Ampadu, Kovacic, Gilmour, Vale, Chukwuemeka, Pulisic, Broja
