Chelsea’s impressive defensive display in the draw against Manchester United means England left-back Ben Chilwell may have done enough to retain his place for Thursday’s game against Liverpool.
Chilwell made just his second start under Thomas Tuchel and his extra pace against the home side’s swift attack could well see Marcos Alonso left on the bench for a second successive game.
Reece James has a strong case for starting in the other wing-back role given the extra defending the away game at the champions will bring.
If James starts then Callum Hudson-Odoi could start further forward, meaning Hakim Ziyech would miss out after failing to impress against United.
Timo Werner is set to return and may get the nod to play in a central role with the counter-attack more likely against Liverpool’s high press. Olivier Giroud would drop to the bench and Mason Mount is certain to occupy the other attacking position.
The defence, with Thiago Silva still injured, more or less picks itself with Andreas Christensen flanked by Cesar Azpilicueta and Antonio Rudiger.
The “double six” roles are once again likely to be filled by N’Golo Kante and Mateo Kovacic, the former bringing greater athleticism to the position than Jorginho.
