Ben Chilwell, N’Golo Kante and Hakim Ziyech are the returning trio for Thomas Tuchel’s side as we welcome Manchester United to Stamford Bridge this afternoon. Marcos Alonso, Jorginho and Timo Werner all drop to the bench.

That means Olivier Giroud continues to lead the line up front following his incredible winner in Bucharest on Tuesday, with Mason Mount and Ziyech providing the attacking support.

The goalkeeper and back three are unchanged with Edouard Mendy protected by captain Cesar Azpilicueta, Andreas Christensen and Toni Rudiger. Chilwell and Callum Hudson-Odoi are the wing-backs, with Mateo Kovacic partnering Kante in central midfield.

Explaining his decision to opt for Ziyech ahead of Werner, Tuchel said: ‘Hakim is a different kind of player. He deserves to start. He had a good impact in the game against Atletico.

‘We had the feeling to give Timo a little break, to have him from the bench and also fresh for the fixture against Liverpool. I felt him a little bit tired after many games in a row so we give him a rest and let the other guys perform who deserve it.’

United make two changes from their last Premier League game a week ago, with Scott McTominay and Mason Greenwood coming into the side. Edinson Cavani misses out with injury.

Chelsea (3-4-2-1) Mendy; Azpilicueta (c), Christensen, Rudiger; Hudson-Odoi, Kante, Kovacic, Chilwell; Ziyech, Mount; Giroud

Subs Kepa, Zouma, Alonso, James, Emerson, Jorginho, Havertz, Pulisic, Werner

Man United (4-2-3-1) De Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Maguire (c), Shaw; McTominay, Fred; James, Fernandes, Rashford; Greenwood

Subs Henderson, Bailly, Telles, Williams, Tuanzebe, Matic, Van De Beek, Diallo, Martial

The referee is Stuart Attwell

Stats recap

Chelsea have won one of our past eight meetings with Man Utd in all competitions. Our last two wins against them were both at Wembley in the FA Cup – the semi-final in 2020 and final in 2018.

Man United are hoping to secure a fourth successive win at the Bridge in all competitions for the first time.

Manchester United are unbeaten in their past six Premier League matches against Chelsea (three wins, three draws).

Chelsea last prevailed at home against the Red Devils in November 2017 in the Premier League when Alvaro Morata scored the only goal in the 55th minute.

Chelsea are fifth with 43 points from 25 games, six points behind second placed Man Utd and two behind West Ham in fourth.

Chelsea have the fourth-best home league record this season behind Man City, West Ham and Liverpool, winning 22 points from 12 games.

Since Thomas Tuchel's first game in charge of Chelsea on 27 January, we have allowed our opponents just 1.7 shots on target per Premier League game on average (10 faced in 6 matches) - the lowest ratio of any side in the competition in this time.

The Blues are looking to keep four consecutive home clean sheets in the Premier League for the first time since January 2018 under Antonio Conte.