Thomas Tuchel’s selection reflects those who have been at Cobham during the international break. Six of the 10 outfielders were not away with their countries recently.

Thiago Silva is back in the heart of defence, with Chalobah and Toni Rudiger either side of him. Callum Hudson-Odoi and captain Marcos Alonso are the wing-backs, with Saul joined by Mateo Kovacic in midfield. It is Alonso's first time as captain.

In attack, Romelu Lukaku is flanked by Ziyech and Kai Havertz. Our bench includes Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Ross Barkley, as well as Cesar Azpilicueta, Mason Mount and Timo Werner.

In all, there are six changes to the team that started at Anfield before the international break. Hudson-Odoi makes his 100th Chelsea appearance, Havertz his 50th, and Rudiger starts a Premier League game for the 100th time.

Chelsea (3-4-3): Mendy; Chalobah, Thiago Silva, Rudiger; Hudson-Odoi, Kovacic, Saul, Alonso (c); Ziyech, Lukaku, Havertz

Subs: Kepa, Azpilicueta, Chilwell, Christensen, Barkley, Jorginho, Loftus-Cheek, Mount, Werner.

Aston Villa (3-5-2): Steer; Tuanzebe, Konsa, Mings; Cash, Luiz, McGinn, Ramsey, Targett; Ings, Watkins.

Subs: Sinisalo, Sanson, Young, Traore, Nakamba, Hause, El Ghazi, Bailey, Archer.