The game is Chelsea's first in the top flight at Stamford Bridge for over a month and offers Pochettino's side the opportunity to close the gap to Newcastle, who currently sit one place above the Blues in the Premier League table.

Djordje Petrovic continues between the posts and is expected to be protected by a back four this evening.

Malo Gusto keeps his place and is set to start at right-back. The central defensive partnership is Axel Disasi and Trevoh Chalobah. Cucurella returns at left-back in place of the injured Ben Chilwell. It is the Spaniard's first appearance since December.

Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez start once again in midfield and they will be supported by Conor Gallagher, who has shaken off a virus to captain the Blues.

Cole Palmer is named in the Chelsea attack and will start on the right. Sterling comes back into the side and will play off the left flank. Nicolas Jackson, meanwhile, will spearhead the attack and look to add to his goal against Brentford last time out.

Carney Chukwuemeka is back in the squad following injury while Academy duo Josh-Kofi Acheampong and Deivid Washington are also among the substitutes.

Chelsea: Petrovic; Gusto, Disasi, Chalobah, Cucurella; Caicedo, Enzo; Palmer, Gallagher, Sterling; Jackson

Chelsea substitutes: Sanchez, Silva, Acheampong, Gilchrist, Casadei, Chukwuemeka, Mudryk, Madueke, Deivid Washington