Chelsea have named their starting XI for this afternoon’s Premier League clash with Hull City at Stamford Bridge.
Xabi Alonso has restored several senior players after making major changes for Wednesday night’s extraordinary 6-3 Carabao Cup win over Leeds United.
Levi Colwill returns to the Premier League starting line-up, while Romeo Lavia is back in midfield after being rested in midweek.
Malo Gusto also comes into the side, with Maxence Lacroix dropping out of the XI.
Chelsea starting XI vs Hull City
Chelsea XI: Martinez; Fofana, Colwill, Hato; Neto, James (c), Lavia, Gusto; Palmer, Rogers; Joao Pedro.
The selection means Chelsea appear set to continue with Xabi Alonso’s familiar 3-4-2-1 shape.
Wesley Fofana, Colwill and Jorrel Hato can form the back three in front of Emiliano Martinez.
Pedro Neto and Gusto provide the width, with captain Reece James partnering Lavia centrally.
Chelsea had already confirmed that Lavia was available again after his absence against Leeds was part of his workload management rather than a fresh injury problem.
ReadChelsea covered Alonso’s confirmation that Romeo Lavia was ready to face Hull ahead of the game.
His return is particularly important because Moises Caicedo remains unavailable.
Alonso ruled Caicedo out of Chelsea’s meeting with Hull on Friday, with next weekend’s trip to Brentford now a possible target.
Colwill returns but Lacroix misses out
The biggest defensive decision comes with Colwill returning to the starting XI.
The England international made his comeback against Leeds after previously being left on the bench during Chelsea’s 2-1 defeat at Arsenal.
ReadChelsea’s predicted Chelsea XI against Hull had Colwill returning, although Maxence Lacroix had been expected to keep his place.
Instead, Alonso has gone with Fofana, Colwill and Hato.
Gusto’s inclusion also changes the shape of the wing-back positions, with Neto starting on the opposite flank.
Further forward, there are few surprises.
Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers start behind Joao Pedro after all three were protected to varying degrees during the midweek cup tie.
Palmer and Rogers came off the bench and helped transform the game against Leeds, while Joao Pedro was given the night off entirely.
Chelsea now face a Hull side who arrive at Stamford Bridge unbeaten in the Premier League and yet to concede this season.
ReadChelsea’s full Chelsea vs Hull preview explains why Alonso’s attack faces one of its toughest tests so far.
The game kicks off at 3pm BST.
Chelsea’s official match centre will provide live updates throughout the afternoon.
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