N’Golo Kante’s chances of starting against Manchester United on Sunday seem high, the midfielder having only been a substitute for Chelsea’s Champions League win over Atletico Madrid.
Kante’s inclusion would most likely mean Jorginho dropping to the bench at Stamford Bridge, bringing a more mobile central midfield partnership alongside Mateo Kovacic.
The duo would bring greater energy to combat a United side bound to show more attacking ambition than the La Liga side, albeit still often playing on the counter-attack.
Goalkeeper Edouard Mendy is a certain starter, and with Thiago Silva still not ready to return, the back three as good as picks itself. Andreas Christensen can bring some much-needed composure on the ball, playing in between Cesar Azpilicueta and Antonio Rudiger.
Elsewhere it is virtually impossible to second guess head coach Thomas Tuchel’s, because of the German’s tactical tinkering and eagerness to rotate in order to avoid fatigue and the risk of injuries.
Those factors, with Liverpool away to come on Thursday, could well see changes in the wing-back roles, but that may not happen until Anfield next week, with both Ben Chilwell and Reece James good shouts to start one of the two matches in a position that requires boundless energy.
The knock-on effect, particularly Hudson-Odoi’s role, means more selection dilemmas further forward. But, if Tuchel’s trusted left-sided pick so far Marcos Alonso is rested, and converted right wing-back Callum Hudson-Odoi, continues, the attacking trio may be the same as against Atletico.
Mason Mount will occupy one of the three attacking roles, with Timo Werner and midweek goalscorer Olivier Giroud set to retain their places.
Kai Havert, Christian Pulisic, Hakim Ziyech and Tammy Abraham bring wonderful attacking options from the bench.
Predicted team:
Mendy
Azpilicueta
Christensen
Rudiger
Hudson-Odoi
Kovacic
Kante
Chilwell
Mount
Werner
Giroud