Chelsea resume their FA Cup campaign Tuesday night at Stamford Bridge when they face Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool.
The Blues dropped points in the Premier League on Saturday as they were held to a 2-2 draw by Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium.
Meanwhile, Liverpool lost their first league game of the season to Watford on Saturday, ending a 44-game unbeaten streak in the Premier League.
Jorginho’s yellow card at the Vitality Stadium means the Italy midfielder can play against Liverpool, but will now miss the league matches against Everton and Aston Villa through suspension.
N’Golo Kante remains sidelined with a groin injury that will keep him out until later this March. Christian Pulisic is still out with groin and hip problems, while Callum Hudson-Odoi is unlikely to be fit to face Liverpool.
Tammy Abraham, who got hurt in the warm-down after Chelsea’s Champions League defeat to Bayern Munich, is also out with an ankle problem.
Veteran shot-stopper Willy Caballero has been deputising between the posts since Lampard decided to drop Kepa from the starting XI a few weeks back. The Argentinean will continue between the sticks on Tuesday.
James has enjoyed a solid breakthrough campaign with Chelsea and will retain his place at right wing-back against Liverpool.
Rudiger was an unused substitute in the 2-2 draw with Bournemouth on Saturday but he should be back into Lampard’s starting XI in the FA Cup game on Tuesday. He will have to be at the top of his game to keep the Liverpool forwards at bay.
Christensen endured a tough time against Bournemouth on Saturday. Yet, Lampard is likely to go with the Dane for Tuesday’s game.
Tomori was handed a start at Bournemouth on Saturday but the youngster struggled alongside his fellow defenders. However, he will be aiming to put in a strong display against the Reds in the FA Cup.
Alonso opened the scoring with a fierce volley before nodding home a late equaliser at the Vitality Stadium. He has fought his way back into the team and should retain his place at left wing-back.
Jorginho will anchor the midfield against Klopp’s men. The Italian will need to be at his best to stop the visitors’ play in the final third.
A tireless worker on and off the ball, Kovacic will partner Jorginho in the middle of the park. They’ll look to take control of the game from minute one.
Mount has blown hot and cold in recent weeks, failing to influence things in the final third. However, the young gun is a vital cog in Chelsea’s attack and should start on Tuesday.
Willian came off the bench in the second half on Saturday to help the Blues earned a point against Bournemouth. On Tuesday, however, the Brazilian is expected to start in the FA Cup fixture.
In Abraham’s injury absence, Giroud will continue leading the Chelsea attack.
