CHELSEA travel to Anfield to take on Liverpool in a massive six-pointer in the race for a top-four spot on Wednesday night.
The Blues sit one point above Jurgen Klopp’s squad in fifth place with both clubs looking to bounce back from a tricky winter.
And Thomas Tuchel has a near-full-strength squad to choose from for the monster clash on Merseyside.
The West Londoners lost the reverse fixture 2-0 in September thanks to a Sadio Mane double.
But facing an injury-ravaged Reds, Chelsea will fancy their chances.
Thiago Silva gave Tuchel a huge boost after returning to training earlier this week.
However, having missed a month – six games in total – with a thigh injury, Wednesday’s game has come too soon, with Tuchel confirming he would not make the trip north.
That means Cesar Azpilicueta, Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger are likely to start in a back-three in front of Edouard Mendy.
Kurt Zouma will also push for a place, but has all-but been frozen out under new management having been an ever-present under Frank Lampard.
Marcos Alonso is Tuchel’s preferred option at left-wing-back and could return in place of Ben Chilwell, with the latter playing the full 90 minutes against Manchester United.
TEAM NEWS: What Thomas Tuchel said
Callum is no issue at all; he was training fully with the team yesterday.
Thiago made his first training with the team but did not finish the last exercise – not due to any pain or anything, just to be aware of not taking a risk.
I assume he is in training today but he is not at 100 per cent, so he will not join the squad for Liverpool.
Tammy had some problems yesterday on the ankle again, so let’s see how this works out.
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Reece James is likely to start at right-wing-back after Callum Hudson-Odoi limped off during Sunday’s goalless draw.
Tuchel confirmed Hudson-Odoi WILL be part of the matchday squad though, with the knock he sustained only minor.
In midfield, N’Golo Kante and Mateo Kovacic are likely to start as the two deeper central players, with Jorginho, Kai Havertz and Billy Gilmour on the bench.
Mason Mount is tipped to be joined by Timo Werner just behind the sole striker, expected to be Olivier Giroud with Tammy Abraham ruled out by the Blues boss.
Tuchel claimed Werner was merely enjoying a well-earned rest against United and would return to his starting XI at Anfield.
That means Hakim Ziyech and Christian Pulisic could be forced to settle for a spot on the bench.
Chelsea travel to Anfield to take on Liverpool on Wednesday night, with kick-off 8.15pm.