By Betsefy
Chelsea head coach Thomas Tuchel will be able to call upon Kalidou Koulibaly for Tuesday’s Premier League fixture at Southampton.
The defender sat out the 2-1 victory over Leicester City having collected two yellow cards during the previous 3-0 defeat at Leeds United.
Koulibaly’s return and Tuchel’s lack of options in central midfield could result in a switch to a back three, something which could lead to Trevoh Chalobah retaining his place in the side.
With Conor Gallagher serving his own one-match suspension for his dismissal against the Foxes, Ruben Loftus-Cheek is likely to partner Jorginho in central midfield.
Although Mateo Kovacic is now an option having made his comeback from a knee issue, Tuchel may opt against increasing the Croatian’s workload just three days after his first substitute outing of the season.
While Reece James should continue at right wing-back – or right-back if Tuchel sticks with a back four – Marc Cucurella may be afforded a rest on the opposite flank with Ben Chilwell looking to increase his game time.
Despite their lingering issues in the final third, it would come as a surprise if Tuchel made any changes to his front three with Mason Mount well rested after being substituted at half time against Leicester.
Nevertheless, Armando Broja is an alternative to Kai Havertz with the academy graduate coming up against his former club having recovered from a minor injury.
Chelsea possible starting lineup: Mendy; Chalobah, Silva; Koulibaly; James, Jorginho, Loftus-Cheek, Chilwell; Mount, Sterling; Havertz
