Tammy Abraham’s all-action performance in Thursday’s Cup fifth-round win against Barnsley should be enough to see him keep his place when Chelsea host Newcastle on Monday.
The England striker scored the winner, made a late goalline clearance and impressed throughout so has a great chance of continuing as the main centre forward.
But with Timo Werner available after a dead leg, the make-up of Chelsea’s front three and the knock-on effect presents more than a few selection dilemmas for Thomas Tuchel.
Callum Hudson-Odoi will almost certainly take up one of the wide roles having stood out against the Tykes, so the German head coach may leave his fellow countryman Werner on the bench as he looks to accommodate returning trio Mason Mount, Mateo Kovacic and Jorginho.
Mount, Jorginho and Kovacic are all as good as certain to start after being rested at Oakwell so N’Golo Kante – who Tuchel has repeatedly described as world class – may once again have to be content with a place on the bench.
Christian Pulisic and Hakim Ziyech were two of a number of players who failed to seize their chance in the 1-0 victory at Oakwell so Tuchel will keep faith with the regulars who have been so reliable as he seeks a fourth win from five Premier League games since replacing Frank Lampard as manager.
Antonio Rudiger, who came on to such good effect against Barnsley, and Cesar Azpilicueta are set to return. And as long as Andreas Christensen is deemed fit after his bang to the head, the Dane will complete the back three.
Marcos Alonso and Reece James will occupy the wing-back roles.
Expected Chelsea line-up:
Mendy
Azpilicueta
Christensen
Rudiger
James
Jorginho
Kovacic
Alonso
Mount
Hudson-Odoi
Abraham